Michael Gray, the actor best known for playing Billy Batson in the 1970s television series Shazam!, has died at 75. He died of natural causes on October 16, 2026, in Palm Desert, California. His publicist confirmed his death on October 22.

Gray starred in Shazam! from 1974 to 1976, playing Billy Batson, a teenager who transformed into the superhero Captain Marvel by saying the word “Shazam!” The live-action series aired on CBS as part of its Saturday morning programming and ran for three seasons. Jackson Bostwick initially played Captain Marvel, with John Davey taking over the role later in the series.

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Before landing the lead role in Shazam!, Gray appeared in several television productions. He played Ronnie Collins in NBC’s The Little People, which starred Brian Keith and Shelley Fabares and aired from 1972 to 1973. He also appeared as Jeff, Marcia Brady’s boyfriend, in an episode of The Brady Bunch in 1973. His other television credits included Room 222, The Flying Nun and Marcus Welby, M.D.

Born in Chicago on September 2, 1951, Gray grew up in Miami Beach, Florida, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting and study at the Pasadena Playhouse. His film credits included Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and Myra Breckinridge. His role in Shazam! brought him wider recognition, and he appeared on the covers of teen magazines, including Tiger Beat.

The attention that came with the series made Gray a recognizable face among young viewers, but he later became concerned about being typecast. He took a break from acting and explored other work, including children’s theater education and men’s fashion. He also owned and operated a floral business with his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, whom he married in 1994.

Photo: Getty Images

Gray returned to acting in later years, including appearances in the animated series Archer, in which he voiced a fictionalized version of himself. He also appeared in the reality series Comic Book Men and made a cameo in the 2023 film Shazam! Fury of the Gods. In the film, his appearance served as a nod to the original television series.

The 2012 release of Shazam! on DVD helped bring renewed attention to Gray’s work. He subsequently attended fan conventions, where he met viewers who remembered him from the series. His former co-star John Davey recalled Gray’s sense of humor and his enjoyment of meeting fans.

Gray is survived by his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, his stepchildren Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper, and his son-in-law, Lee Barker.

Kylie Jenner is reportedly keen to get engaged to Timothée Chalamet, but an alleged difference in their marriage plans is said to be causing frustration as speculation grows about her younger sister Kendall Jenner’s relationship with actor Jacob Elordi.

According to a report published on 21 October, an unnamed insider claims Kylie is ready for marriage and has made her wishes clear to Chalamet. The actor, however, is reportedly not ready to propose.

The same source claims people close to the two couples believe Kendall and Elordi could get engaged before Kylie and Chalamet, despite Kylie and Chalamet having been together for longer. The possibility is reportedly causing jealousy and frustration for Kylie.

“Even though Kylie and Timothée have been together much longer, people in their inner circle actually see Kendall and Jacob getting married first, and it’s causing some jealousy and frustration for Kylie,” the insider claimed.

Neither Kylie nor Kendall has publicly confirmed the reported tension, and the claims remain unverified.

Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Kylie and Chalamet were first romantically linked in April 2023. Although their relationship has attracted considerable attention, they have generally kept details of their private life out of the public eye.

The insider claims Kylie has told Chalamet that she sees marriage in their future but is not issuing an ultimatum. Instead, she reportedly hopes he will be ready to propose soon.

“She’s not giving him ultimatums or demanding a ring, but she’s definitely making her feelings known and hoping he’ll get there sooner rather than later,” the source said.

Chalamet, 30, is reportedly not ready to take that step. According to the insider, he remains committed to Kylie, 29, but a proposal in the near future could come from pressure rather than genuine readiness.

Neither Kylie nor Chalamet has publicly confirmed the reported disagreement over marriage plans.

Photo: Backgrid

Kendall’s reported relationship with Elordi has become part of the engagement speculation. The pair were linked earlier in 2026 and reportedly made their relationship more public during a trip to Australia in June.

The insider described Elordi, 29, as more certain about his future with Kendall, 30, than Chalamet is about his own marriage plans. The source also claimed Kendall and Elordi’s relationship is progressing more quickly.

“Jacob is completely all in with Kendall,” the insider said, adding that he genuinely feels he has found the right person.

The source contrasted the two couples, describing Kendall and Elordi as more serious about their future together, while Kylie and Chalamet reportedly have a more relaxed relationship.

These descriptions come from an unnamed source and have not been independently confirmed. Neither Kendall nor Elordi has announced an engagement, and there is no public confirmation that they intend to marry soon.

Photo: Getty Images

Before dating Chalamet, Kylie was in a relationship with rapper Travis Scott. The pair began dating in 2017 and share two children: daughter Stormi, born in February 2018, and son Aire, born in February 2022.

Their relationship included periods of separation before they split in January 2023. They never married.

Kylie and Chalamet have been linked since 2023, making the reported difference in their expectations about marriage a focus of the latest speculation. However, the claim that she is jealous of Kendall’s possible engagement remains unconfirmed.

For now, neither Kylie and Chalamet nor Kendall and Elordi has announced an engagement. Whether either couple will marry, and when, remains unknown.

Rob Kardashian joined his family for Kim Kardashian’s 46th birthday dinner at Baldi, a restaurant inside the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, on October 21, 2026.

The 39-year-old was photographed with his mother, Kris Jenner, and sisters Kim, Kourtney, Khloé and Kylie Jenner at the Beverly Hills restaurant.

Photo: Backgrid

Rob wore a black jacket, dark jeans and trainers for the occasion. Kim celebrated her birthday in an olive-green metallic mini dress with a plunging neckline, kimono-style sleeves and a thigh-high slit. She accessorised with a jewelled headpiece and black heels before changing into a burgundy mini dress later in the evening.

Kris wore a yellow coat with white heels, while Kourtney wore a brown dress with a plunging neckline and fringe detailing. Khloé wore a sheer white dress over a bodysuit, and Kylie chose a beige dress with lace detailing.

Photo: Backgrid

Rob’s appearance attracted attention because he rarely makes public appearances. While his sisters maintain active public profiles through their businesses, social media and reality television, he has largely stepped away from the spotlight.

He rose to prominence alongside his family on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which premiered in 2007. Although he featured regularly in the earlier seasons, his appearances became less frequent over time.

Photo: Backgrid

In October 2025, Rob appeared in the seventh-season premiere of The Kardashians, which featured the family revisiting their former home, Eldorado Meadow. Kim has previously indicated that her brother may participate in filming when he feels comfortable.

Rob shares a daughter, Dream Kardashian, with his former partner, Blac Chyna. They welcomed her in November 2016.

Photo: Instagram/@kloekardashian

His appearance at Kim’s birthday dinner marks another public family outing for Rob, who has kept much of his life private in recent years.