Michael Kearns, Beloved ‘Cheers’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Actor and LGBTQ+ Pioneer, Dies at 76

Actor and activist Michael Kearns, known for appearances in Cheers and Beverly Hills, 90210, has died at the age of 76. His death was reported on October 5, 2026, according to reports cited by Entertainment Weekly. His cause of death has not been announced.

Kearns was more than a familiar face on television. He was a trailblazer who used his voice to challenge discrimination and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS during a time when stigma surrounding the disease was widespread.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1950, Kearns discovered his passion for acting early in life. He began his television career with an appearance on The Waltons in 1974 and went on to appear in popular series including Knots Landing, Murder, She Wrote, and Beverly Hills, 90210. He also appeared in the film Body Double and the HBO drama And the Band Played On, which explored the early AIDS crisis.

In 1991, Kearns publicly revealed that he was HIV-positive, taking a courageous stand at a time when many performers feared that speaking openly could damage their careers. Through his work on screen and his activism, he helped bring greater visibility to people living with HIV and AIDS.

Away from acting, Kearns co-founded Artists Confronting AIDS, using art and storytelling to encourage understanding and fight prejudice.

His personal life also included profound loss. Kearns married Philip Juwig in 1992, but his husband died that same year. In 1995, he adopted a daughter, Katherine, and raised her as a single father.

According to his longtime friend and filmmaker Roland Palencia, Kearns had experienced repeated visits to emergency rooms in the months before his death. No specific cause has been publicly confirmed.

Kearns leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his television roles. He helped open doors for LGBTQ+ performers, challenged the silence surrounding HIV, and demonstrated the power of using one’s platform to stand up for others.

His courage and advocacy will not be forgotten.