Michael Gray, the American actor who played Billy Batson in 1970s superhero series Shazam!, dies aged 75

Michael Gray died of natural causes in Palm Desert, California, on 16 October, his representatives confirmed six days later. The Chicago-born Tiger Beat cover star played Marcia's boyfriend on The Brady Bunch before Shazam! made him a teen idol. He quit Hollywood feeling typecast but made a 2023 cameo alongside Zachary Levi. He is survived by his wife Stacy, married in 1994.

Co-star John Davey, 87: 'I don't think he ever stopped smiling.'

Gray was warned the role would typecast him, but said 'a job's a job'.

An early transformation flash effect left the young star 'a little singed'.