Michael Kearns, best known for his role in the series Beverly Hills 90210, has died at the age of 76. His death was confirmed by Karen Ocamb, a close friend and journalist, in the Los Angeles Blade, a local news publication. Director Roland Palencia also shared the news on Facebook. The family has not officially disclosed the cause of death. Kearns began his career at the age of 8, performing in theater productions. He made his Broadway debut in the 1970s and appeared in various television shows and films, including L'homme qui tombe à pic, Arabesque, Des jours et des vies, Cheers, Côte Ouest, and Beverly Hills 90210 alongside Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty. These roles spanned both international and American productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Kearns was a prominent figure in the LGBTQIA+ community, openly revealing his homosexuality in the 1970s and confirming his HIV-positive status in 1991. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and founded the QueerWise collective in 2011, an organization focused on promoting understanding and inclusion. He also authored books about acting, sharing his knowledge and experiences with aspiring performers. According to Palencia, Kearns had made multiple trips to the hospital in the three months before his death and had expressed uncertainty about continuing his life as it was. His passing marks the end of a long and influential career in entertainment and activism.