Gil Gerard, Iconic Buck Rogers Actor, Passes Away at 82 After Cancer Fight

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Gil Gerard, renowned for his portrayal of the iconic sci-fi character William “Buck” Rogers. He died at the age of 82, with confirmation from his manager that he passed away on Tuesday in hospice care due to a rare and aggressive cancer. Following his passing, his wife, Janet Gerard, shared a heartfelt message he had penned for fans, urging them to embrace life and pursue what fills them with love and joy.

Gerard gained fame playing the lead in the television series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” which aired from 1979 to 1981. This series rose to acclaim during a period of heightened interest in science fiction, largely sparked by the success of Star Wars. The show depicted a NASA pilot from the 20th century who awakens 500 years into a futuristic setting. The cast also included his robot companion, Twiki, and the space pilot Wilma Deering, portrayed by Erin Gray.

Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard began his career in television commercials before transitioning to acting in numerous TV series and films. He took part in projects like “Hear No Evil,” “Sidekicks,” and later hosted the reality program “Code 3,” showcasing firefighters across America. He also made guest appearances on hit shows like “Days of Our Lives.”

In his later years, Gerard was candid about his battles with addiction and weight issues. His transformative journey post-surgery is documented in the 2007 film “Action Hero Makeover.” He was married four times before finding lasting love with Janet, with whom he shared 18 years, and he is survived by his son, actor Gilbert Vincent Gerard. In his last notes, Gerard reflected on his life, expressing gratitude for the love, people, and experiences that shaped his meaningful journey.