Kearns, Michael, 1950-

Biography

Michael Kearns was born in St. Louis, Missouri, 1950. He attended the Goodman Theater School in Chicago before making his way to Los Angeles in the early 1970s where he has acted on the stage, in television, and in motion pictures. Since the 1980s he has grown into the profession as director, producer, acting teacher, playwright, and author. Hollywood’s first openly gay actor, Kearns has been involved in various theater productions throughout Los Angeles addressing HIV/AIDS while also appearing in mainstream television. In addition to more than a dozen produced plays and solo pieces including; The Truth Is Bad Enough (1983), Intimacies (1989), More Intimacies (1990), Rock (1992), Attachments (1996), and Tell-Tale Kisses (1998) his writings have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly and the Advocate . He is the author of three theater books, published by Heinemann: T-Cells & Sympathy (nominated for a Lambda Literary Award), Acting = Life (also Lammy nominated), and Getting Your Solo Act Together . He received the 2002 Playwright’s Arena Award for Outstanding Contribution to Los Angeles Theater acknowledging three decades of his work as an actor, writer, producer, director, teacher, and fundraiser. In addition to his artistic contributions Kearns has been honored for his philanthropic endeavors by numerous organizations. Among his philanthropic accomplishments is the creation of Southland Theater Artists Goodwill Event (STAGE), which since 1984 has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS services and charities throughout Southern California. Kearns lives in Los Angeles with his daughter Tia.

Sócrates Silva

From the guide to the Michael Kearns papers, 1974-2007, 1990-2000, (ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives.)