ATLANTA, GA. (THECOUNT) — Gil Gerard, the actor best known for starring as Buck Rogers in the 1980s science fiction television series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” has died at the age of 82, according to a statement from his wife.
Gerard’s wife, Janet Gerard, announced his death Tuesday in a post shared on Facebook. She said the actor died early that morning after battling what she described as “a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer.” Janet Gerard stated that her husband’s death came just days after the couple realized that “something was wrong.”
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In a later post, Janet Gerard shared a message written by the actor himself prior to his death. In the statement, Gerard reflected on his life and career.
“My life has been an amazing journey,” Gerard wrote. “The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the love I have given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying.”
In the message, Gerard recounted the many chapters of his life, writing about moving “from Arkansas to New York to Los Angeles” before eventually settling in Georgia. He concluded with advice to fans and followers.
“Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love,” he wrote. “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Janet Gerard later clarified that she was at her husband’s side as he died in hospice care Tuesday morning. No additional medical details were released.
Gerard rose to fame for his role as Captain William “Buck” Rogers in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” which aired for two seasons beginning in 1979. The series was based on the comic strip created by Philip Francis Nowlan and debuted during a period of renewed interest in science fiction following the success of the “Star Wars” film franchise.
The show followed the story of a NASA pilot who becomes frozen aboard his spacecraft and is discovered 500 years later, awakening in a futuristic society. Gerard’s portrayal of the confident and charismatic Buck Rogers made him a recognizable television star and a fixture of science fiction fandom during the early 1980s.
Beyond “Buck Rogers,” Gerard appeared in a wide range of television and film projects throughout his career. He starred as Dr. John Harding in the CBS series “E.A.R.T.H. Force” in 1990 and later appeared in a six-episode arc on “Days of Our Lives” in 1997.
His film credits included both independent productions and major studio releases. In 2016, Gerard appeared alongside Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in the crime comedy “The Nice Guys.” His final on-screen credit was in the 2019 drama “Space Captain and Callista,” according to industry listings.
Gerard’s career spanned several decades, during which he worked across genres including science fiction, drama, and comedy. While he became most closely associated with his role as Buck Rogers, he continued acting well into later life.
At the time of his death, Gerard was 82 years old. His family has not announced details regarding memorial services or funeral arrangements.
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