Michael Gray, original Billy Batson in 'Shazam!', dies at 75
Michael Gray, known for playing Billy Batson in the 1970s 'Shazam!' series, died on October 16 at age 75 from natural causes. After his run on the show, he stepped away from Hollywood and later enjoyed meeting fans at comic conventions. He is survived by his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, and stepchildren Ryan and Laurel Cooper.
Michael Gray grew up in Miami Beach and appeared in 1972’s The Little People. A 1973 Brady Bunch guest spot as Marcia’s boyfriend preceded his 1974 casting as Billy Batson in Shazam!, which aired three seasons. The character was an orphan who became Captain Marvel by speaking “Shazam!”; Jackson Bostwick first played Captain Marvel, with John Davey later succeeding him.
After Shazam! ended, Gray left Hollywood. John Davey recalled Gray’s warmth, humor, and enjoyment of acting and fan conventions, where he liked meeting viewers. Gray died October 16 at 75 of natural causes; he is survived by his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, and stepchildren Ryan and Laurel Cooper.
The death may resonate most with viewers who grew up with 1970s Saturday-morning television and with convention fans who met Gray later. It could prompt renewed attention to Shazam!’s early screen history and to the quieter careers of performers who step away from Hollywood. For his family and former colleagues, the loss is personal; for broader audiences, it may be a nostalgic reminder of how childhood heroes shape memory.