He died of heart failure in Woodland Hills, California on 8 July (11).

Michaels starred in a number of hit Broadway musicals including Man of La Mancha, 13 Daughters, Fade Out-Fade In, and Bells Are Ringing, alongside Judy Holliday.

He also had a recurring role on the popular American soap Dark Shadows, as well as TV show Hill Street Blues.

Michael's long-time love, Happy Days actress Marion Ross, tells the National Enquirer, ""I miss Paul already. But I feel fortunate to have had him with me as long as I did. Paul was a great man and a wonderful actor.""