Quick Info
| Profession | Actor, writer, director, teacher, producer, activist |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 08/01/1950 |
| Age | 76 years (died on 06, Oct, 2026) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Date of Death | 06/10/2026 |
Latest News about Michael Kearns
08/10/2026
Michael Kearns died in October 2026 at age 76. Multiple obituaries identified him as one of Hollywood’s first openly gay actors and noted his long career as a performer, writer, and activist. Reports also highlighted his public HIV-positive disclosure in 1991 and his influence on LGBTQ+ and AIDS advocacy.
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Bio/Wiki
| Overview | Michael Kearns was an American actor, playwright, and activist known for being one of the first openly gay actors in Hollywood and for publicly disclosing his HIV-positive status in 1991. |
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| Known For | Stage, film, television, LGBTQ+ activism, HIV/AIDS advocacy |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Education | Studied at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago |
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Personal Life
| Orientation | Gay |
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| HIV Status | Publicly disclosed HIV-positive status in 1991 |
Family
| Survived By | Daughter, screenwriter Katherine Kearns |
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Career
| Summary | Worked across theater, film, and television as an actor, writer, director, teacher, and producer. |
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| Notable Work | Appearances included Body Double, Cheers, and Beverly Hills, 90210 |
| Activism | Co-founded or supported AIDS-related advocacy efforts and became a prominent LGBTQ+ figure |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Began working professionally at a young age in St. Louis. | |
| 2. Was among the first openly gay actors in Hollywood. | |
| 3. Made a public HIV-positive disclosure on national television in 1991. |