Gil Gerard, the actor who brought charm and humor to the iconic role of Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the science fiction television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at 82 years old. The beloved television star passed away in hospice on Tuesday morning after battling a rare aggressive cancer, with his wife Janet Gerard by his side.
Janet Gerard announced the death through social media, revealing that her husband’s illness had lasted only days from the moment they knew something was wrong. The couple had been married for 18 years, sharing their final home together in North Georgia.
In a deeply moving gesture, Gerard left behind a posthumous message for fans that his wife shared following his death. “My life has been an amazing journey,” Gerard wrote in the message intended to be posted after his passing. He offered parting wisdom to those who had followed his career: “Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love.”
The actor concluded his final words with a characteristic touch of the space-age optimism that defined his most famous role. “See you out somewhere in the cosmos,” Gerard wrote.
Gerard achieved television stardom through his portrayal of Captain William Buck Rogers on the NBC series that aired for two seasons from 1979 to 1981. The show capitalized on the science fiction boom of the late 1970s, presenting a lighter, more adventurous take on the genre. Gerard’s character was aided by Colonel Wilma Deering, played by Erin Gray, and featured the memorable robot character Twiki, voiced by legendary voice actor Mel Blanc.
Born January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard built a substantial television career. He appeared in over 300 episodes of The Doctors, where he played Dr. Alan Stewart. This extensive soap opera work established him as a familiar face to television audiences.
Gerard maintained an active presence in both television and film. His more recent work included a role in the 2016 film The Nice Guys, where he appeared alongside Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. The action-comedy demonstrated Gerard’s ability to transition between genres and generations of filmmaking.
Gerard spoke openly throughout his life about personal struggles, including battles with weight. At his heaviest, he weighed 350 pounds. In 2007, he appeared in the documentary Action Hero Makeover, which chronicled his decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.
The actor’s personal life included four marriages. From 1979 to 1987, he was married to actress Connie Sellecca. The couple had a son together, Gib Gerard. His marriage to Janet Gerard represented his longest and final union, spanning nearly two decades until his death.
In her statement announcing his passing, Janet Gerard described the rapid progression of her husband’s illness and expressed the profound loss felt by those closest to him.
Gerard’s legacy remains firmly tied to his work in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, a series that introduced a generation of viewers to space adventure on television. His portrayal of the time-displaced astronaut combined action with accessibility, helping to make science fiction approachable for family audiences during a pivotal era for the genre on television screens across America.
Throughout his career, Gerard demonstrated versatility across multiple formats, from soap operas to science fiction, from independent films to major Hollywood productions. His willingness to discuss personal challenges added depth to his public persona beyond his on-screen roles.
Gerard’s final message to fans emphasized living authentically and pursuing what brings genuine fulfillment. His words serve as a reminder from someone who experienced both the heights of television fame and the personal struggles that accompanied a life in the public eye.