Michael Kearns, Hollywood’s first openly gay actor, has died
8 october 2026 в 08:02
Michael Kearns, the renowned actor and activist who is considered the first openly gay man in Hollywood, has passed away. His death was announced on October 5 by his close friend, performance artist Tim Miller, who wrote: «I mourn my beloved Michael Kearns. A warrior fighting HIV. An older brother. A friend since 1984. A truly unique person. The world is a smaller place… I love you, Michael».
Michael Kearns was born on January 8, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, and after studying at a drama school in Chicago, he moved to Los Angeles. He began his career by openly declaring his sexual orientation, which was extremely rare at the time, making his stage debut in 1972 in the play «The World’s Worst Show». Kearns also appeared in projects such as «The Waltons» (1974) and «Kentucky Fried Movie» (1977).
In 1991, he gave a widely publicized interview in which he disclosed his HIV-positive status. His stage work, often political, was largely connected to his condition, making him a well-known activist in this area. Among his most notable solo shows are «Intimacies», - «More Intimacies», - and «This Must Be Him: A Musical Memoir of Gender», - which was presented in 2023.
Kearns is survived by his daughter Katherine, whom he adopted as a single gay father in the 1990s.
Michael Kearns was born on January 8, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, and after studying at a drama school in Chicago, he moved to Los Angeles. He began his career by openly declaring his sexual orientation, which was extremely rare at the time, making his stage debut in 1972 in the play «The World’s Worst Show». Kearns also appeared in projects such as «The Waltons» (1974) and «Kentucky Fried Movie» (1977).
In 1991, he gave a widely publicized interview in which he disclosed his HIV-positive status. His stage work, often political, was largely connected to his condition, making him a well-known activist in this area. Among his most notable solo shows are «Intimacies», - «More Intimacies», - and «This Must Be Him: A Musical Memoir of Gender», - which was presented in 2023.
Kearns is survived by his daughter Katherine, whom he adopted as a single gay father in the 1990s.
© Artemenko Olga
