AIDS Activist and First Out Actor, Michael Kearns, Dies at 76

Michael Kearns, an influential AIDS activist and author celebrated as the first openly gay actor, has died at the age of 76. His passing was confirmed by filmmaker Roland Palencia, a close friend, who noted Kearns had been experiencing declining health.

Born in St. Louis in 1950, Kearns discovered his passion for acting at age 8. He later honed his craft at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, graduating in 1972. Despite facing casting bias, Kearns remained committed to his identity, refusing to hide his sexuality for professional gain.

Kearns made significant contributions to film and television from the 1970s through the 2000s. He notably made history in 1991 by publicly disclosing his HIV-positive status on national television. His advocacy extended to his creative works, including solo theater pieces that explored the impact of the AIDS epidemic and the grief of losing friends.

Beyond his acting career, Kearns was a dedicated author, penning five theater books nominated for Lambda Literary Awards. In 1992, he married Philip Juwig, who passed away the same year. Kearns later adopted his daughter, Tia Katherine Kearns, and actively supported social justice causes through writing workshops and his founded Spoken Word collective, QueerWise.

Kearns' extensive contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Robert Chesley Playwrighting Award for lifetime achievement in LGBTQ+ theater and a COLA Fellowship. His acting was recognized with a Drama-Logue Award and an LA Drama Critics Circle nomination. His national advocacy was honored with the Victory Award.