Michael Kearns, a notable figure in the entertainment industry and a prominent AIDS activist, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of his death was conveyed by friends Karen Ocamb and Roland Palencia on 5 October, and it has since been revealed that he died from cardiopulmonary arrest, with coronary artery disease listed as a contributing factor. The information was confirmed through a death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and it has been reported that no autopsy was conducted.
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Kearns’ passing occurred just six days prior to a scheduled performance at Celebration Theatre’s LGBTQ+ history festival in Los Angeles. This marked yet another significant event in Kearns’ illustrious career, where he had planned to honour and explore the narratives of LGBTQ+ theatre.
Throughout his career, Michael Kearns became an influential voice within the LGBTQ+ community. In the 1970s, he publicly came out as gay, risking his acting career at a time when such revelations could have disastrous consequences. His courage was spotlighted in 1991, when he made headlines by revealing his HIV status on national television. Kearns stated, “I’m doing this for all people with HIV,” emphasising that there was no shame associated with the condition.
His announcement was prompted by the recent death of fellow actor Brad Davis, who had kept his AIDS diagnosis a secret, fearing the repercussions on his career. Kearns took the opportunity to advocate for those who felt compelled to hide their status, saying, “Not one more HIV-infected actor or anyone else should die in shame.” His efforts in raising awareness were pivotal during a time of widespread fear and stigma related to HIV and AIDS.
Born in 1947, Kearns honed his craft at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, graduating in 1972. He made his Broadway debut shortly after in the comedy *Tubstrip*, and his television career blossomed with roles on acclaimed shows like *Cheers*, *Beverly Hills, 90210*, and *Murder, She Wrote*. Over the span of his career, he accumulated 34 acting credits from 1974 until 2019, with memorable performances in films such as Brian De Palma’s *Body Double*.
Despite stepping back from on-screen roles in recent years, Kearns remained a vibrant presence in the world of theatre. He was acclaimed for his stage work, most notably with productions like *Intimacies* and *More Intimacies*, where he portrayed characters grappling with the realities of living with AIDS. His 1993 performance in Charles Ludlam’s *Camille* further solidified his reputation as a courageous and impactful performer.
Personal tragedies marked Kearns’ life, including the death of his husband Philip Juwig in 1992, a loss that profoundly affected him. Undeterred, Kearns adopted a daughter, Tia Katherine, in 1995, breaking significant barriers as an openly gay, HIV-positive man. Reflecting on her upbringing, Tia, who now goes by Katherine, shared insights about the influence of her father’s activism and openness, commenting, “Your openness and courage forced me to be honest with myself and the world I live in.”
In the days leading up to his death, Kearns was focused on preparing for his participation in the Celebration Theatre’s Circa: Queer Histories Festival, which was set to take place on National Coming Out Day. He was expected to share excerpts from his production *Jerker* alongside collaborator Joe Gill, continuing his long-standing commitment to celebrating LGBTQ+ narratives and history.
Kearns’ legacy as a pioneering actor and an unwavering advocate for the AIDS community will undoubtedly endure. His courage to confront stigma, advocate for openness, and share his story has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight against AIDS. His contributions continue to inspire new generations to embrace their identities and challenge the prejudices that persist in society.