Michael Kearns Obituary, LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Michael Kearns, a pioneering gay actor and activist known for his appearances in Cheers, Beverly Hills, 90210 and other television productions, has died at the age of 76. Kearns died on October 5, 2026, according to reports, leaving behind a legacy of work in entertainment and advocacy for people living with HIV and AIDS.
His death was confirmed by Roland Palencia, a filmmaker and longtime friend. Palencia described Kearns as a friend, mentor, neighbor and movie companion, recalling that the actor had been in and out of emergency rooms more than five times over a three-month period. A cause of death has not been announced, and further details about his final illness have not been publicly disclosed.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1950, Kearns discovered his passion for acting as a child before studying drama in Chicago. He began his television career with an appearance on The Waltons in 1974 and went on to build a career spanning television, film and theater. His credits included Cheers, Knots Landing, Murder, She Wrote and Beverly Hills, 90210, as well as the 1984 film Body Double.
Kearns also appeared in HBO’s And the Band Played On, a drama depicting the early AIDS crisis. Through his performances, including roles portraying people living with HIV, he helped bring stories connected to the epidemic to a wider audience. His work as an openly gay actor challenged barriers in an entertainment industry where performers could face professional consequences for disclosing their sexuality.
In 1991, Kearns publicly revealed that he was HIV-positive, taking a stand against the stigma and discrimination surrounding the virus. At a time when public understanding of HIV and AIDS was limited and fear remained widespread, his decision represented an important moment in his advocacy. He also co-founded Artists Confronting AIDS, an organization that used artistic expression and personal stories to raise awareness about the crisis.
Kearns’ life also included significant personal loss and the experience of parenthood. He married Philip Juwig in 1992, but Juwig died that same year. In 1995, Kearns adopted a daughter, Katherine, and became a single adoptive father, navigating family life while continuing his work in entertainment and activism.
In the days before his death, Kearns had been scheduled to participate in a special event celebrating LGBTQ+ theater history at Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles. His passing marks the loss of an actor whose career extended beyond the screen into advocacy, representation and efforts to challenge prejudice against people living with HIV and AIDS.
Michael Kearns will be remembered for his contributions to television, film and theater, as well as his willingness to speak publicly about his HIV status when doing so carried significant social and professional risks. His work helped bring greater visibility to underrepresented communities and the experiences of people affected by the AIDS crisis. Heartfelt condolences go to his daughter, loved ones, friends and all those who were touched by his life and legacy.
