Michael Gray, Shazam! Actor, Dies at 75

Michael Gray, who played Billy Batson in the 1970s CBS series Shazam!, died at 75 on October 16 in Palm Desert, California, according to his representative and a family spokesperson. They attributed his death to natural causes. The announcement was confirmed publicly on October 22, according to one report. Gray became widely known for portraying the teenage Billy, who transformed into the superhero Captain Marvel by saying “Shazam!” The live-action series aired on CBS from 1974 to 1976, running for three seasons. One account said Gray appeared in 28 episodes. The role of Captain Marvel was played first by Jackson Bostwick and later by John Davey. The show followed Billy as he traveled with his guardian, Mentor, helping people and responding to problems. Gray’s character was the teenage counterpart to the adult superhero, whose name was later changed to Shazam in the comics and films. Before Shazam!, Gray had a recurring role as Ronnie Collins in the first season of the NBC sitcom The Little People, later retitled The Brian Keith Show. He also appeared on Room 222, The Flying Nun, Marcus Welby, M.D. and The Brady Bunch, among other television programs, and acted in films...