Michael Kearns, a trailblazing actor, playwright, and activist in the LGBTQ+ community, has passed away at the age of 76. Kearns died on Monday, October 5, as confirmed by long-time friend and journalist Karen Ocamb in the Los Angeles Blade. His death was further acknowledged by filmmaker Roland Palencia, who shared that Kearns had faced multiple health challenges in the preceding months, although the specific cause of death remains undisclosed.
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Kearns was a significant figure in Hollywood, known for being one of the first actors to come out as gay. In 1991, he made headlines when he publicly disclosed his HIV-positive status during a television interview, aiming to destigmatise the disease and speak out against the shame that many individuals faced. During that landmark announcement, Kearns stated, “HIV is nothing to be ashamed of,” referencing the late actor Brad Davis, who had concealed his own diagnosis out of fear. Kearns’ courage in sharing his status was a pivotal moment in an era when such openness was rare and fraught with risk.
Born on January 8, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kearns discovered his passion for performing at a young age. Despite struggling with sports, he found his niche when cast in a school play at eight years old. His education in acting continued at Chicago’s Goodman School of Drama, after which he made his Broadway debut in the comedy “Tubstrip.” Kearns also appeared in various television shows, including iconic series like “Cheers” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
While Kearns achieved a notable screen career, it was his contributions to theatre that defined much of his legacy. He was a vocal advocate against homophobia and censorship, bringing attention to critical issues within the LGBTQ+ community. His directorial debut with Robert Chesley’s “Jerker” in 1986 stirred national controversy, illustrating the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ artists. Kearns condemned the actions of the Federal Communications Commission, which threatened a Los Angeles radio station over broadcasting the play. He remarked, “If this had been a man and a woman having this conversation…the issues would not have been the same.”
Kearns continued to explore themes of AIDS and sexuality in his work, producing successful solo productions like “Intimacies” and “More Intimacies,” which resonated with audiences and brought awareness to the AIDS crisis. He referenced his artistic evolution as being deeply influenced by the profound losses he experienced during this period, stating, “Whatever that pain… I managed to spin it like an alchemist into something passionate.”
Beyond his artistic endeavours, Kearns contributed to the community through initiatives like Artists Confronting AIDS and QueerWise, a spoken-word collective. His literary contributions included books about acting and theatre, and his relentless efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Robert Chesley Playwriting Award.
Kearns’ personal life was also marked by significant milestones, including a brief marriage in 1992, followed by the adoption of his daughter, Tia Katherine, in 1995. His role as a single father challenged societal norms regarding adoption, particularly for openly gay men diagnosed with HIV at that time. Reflecting on her upbringing, Katherine shared in a past interview how her father’s openness greatly shaped her understanding of the world.
In the final days of his life, Kearns was preparing to participate in the Celebration Theatre’s Circa: Queer Histories Festival in Los Angeles, scheduled for October 11, coinciding with National Coming Out Day. His involvement in this event underscored his commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
The Celebration Theatre commemorated Kearns’ contributions after news of his passing spread, highlighting his significant impact on both the theatre and the larger community. “We share the community’s sorrow in this loss and celebrate the incredible impact he has had on our mission and the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ Rights movements,” the theatre stated on social media.
Roland Palencia honoured Kearns as a cherished mentor and friend, reminiscing about their shared moments at the cinema. He noted, “For him, nothing in life was small enough; everything had magnified significance.”
Michael Kearns leaves behind a profound legacy of activism, artistry, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity, making him an irreplaceable figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the entertainment industry.