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Actor Michael Kearns' cause of death revealed
27 Oct
Summary
- Michael Kearns died of cardiopulmonary arrest on October 5th.
- Coronary artery disease was an underlying cause of his death.
- He was a prominent LGBTQ+ actor and AIDS activist.
The cause of death for actor, playwright, and AIDS activist Michael Kearns has been confirmed as cardiopulmonary arrest, occurring on October 5th. According to a death certificate, coronary artery disease was an underlying factor in his passing. Kearns, who was 76, was scheduled to perform at Celebration Theatre's LGBTQ+ history festival days after his death.
Kearns was a pioneering figure for the LGBTQ+ community in Hollywood. He publicly shared his identity as gay in the 1970s and later revealed he was HIV positive in 1991, advocating against shame and silence surrounding the virus. His career spanned film, television, and theater, with notable roles in "Cheers," "Beverly Hills, 90210," and "Body Double."
Beyond his acting roles, Kearns was recognized for his impactful theater work, where he addressed homophobia and gave a voice to those affected by the AIDS epidemic. He was also a devoted single father, adopting his daughter Tia Katherine at a time when such adoptions faced significant barriers for openly gay, HIV-positive men.
