Michael Gray, star of the 1970s Shazam! TV series, dies at 75

Michael Gray, who played Billy Batson on the 1970s live-action show "Shazam!", has died at 75. Variety reports he passed away from natural causes on Friday in Palm Desert, California.

Gray starred for three seasons on the CBS Saturday morning series, where his character famously said "shazam" to transform into Captain Marvel. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the role made him a teen idol who frequently graced the covers of magazines like Tiger Beat.

His early career included a breakout role on the NBC sitcom "The Little People" alongside Brian Keith. Gray also played Marcia's boyfriend Jeff on "The Brady Bunch" and had appearances on shows like "Dynasty," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," and "Room 222."

After feeling typecast, Gray took a hiatus from acting to work in children's theater and run a floral business with his wife. A 2012 DVD release of "Shazam!" sparked a career resurgence, leading him to frequent fan conventions and voice work on FX's "Archer."

He made a cameo in the 2023 film "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," interacting with Zachary Levi's version of the hero. Co-star John Davey remembered Gray as "a loving, sweet guy with a great sense of humor" who loved meeting fans.