Actor Michael Kearns has reportedly died on October 5, according to filmmaker and longtime friend Roland Palencia. Palencia revealed that Kearns had made repeated emergency room visits over the previous three months, though no specific health condition or cause of death has been announced.
Kearns was known for appearances in *Cheers*, *Beverly Hills, 90210*, and *Murder, She Wrote*, as well as films such as *Body Double* and HBO’s *And the Band Played On*.
Beyond his acting career, Kearns made history as one of Hollywood’s early openly gay performers. In 1991, he publicly revealed that he was HIV-positive, helping challenge the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. He also co-founded Artists Confronting AIDS to raise awareness through creative expression. After losing his husband, Philip Juwig, in 1992, Kearns adopted his daughter, Katherine, in 1995. His legacy extends beyond the screen through his courage, advocacy, and dedication to his family….
