Gil Gerard, The Charismatic Star of “Buck Rogers,” Dies at 82
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of a true science fiction icon. Gil Gerard, the actor who defined cool for a generation of TV viewers as the titular hero in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” has died. He was 82 years old. The devastating news was confirmed by his wife, Janet Gerard, who shared that the actor had passed away peacefully in hospice care on Tuesday morning, December 16.
Gil Gerard Passed Away Tuesday
According to her statement, Gil Gerard had been fighting a “rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer.” It is unclear as to what type of cancer it was. The speed of the illness was shocking to his family, with Janet noting that only days had passed between the realization that something was wrong and his death.
The Man Who Saved the 25th Century
For many of us who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s, Gil Gerard was the face of adventure. When “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” premiered on NBC in 1979, it wasn’t just trying to ride the coattails of the Star Wars craze – it carved out its own unique, campy, and beloved corner of the sci-fi universe.
Gerard brought a distinct humanity and wisecracking humor to Captain William “Buck” Rogers, who was a NASA pilot frozen in time who wakes up 500 years in the future. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the flight suit.
Interestingly enough, Gerard famously almost turned down the role. He initially worried about being typecast, citing Adam West’s struggle after “Batman.” Fortunately for pop culture history, he took the astral risk. Gerard’s chemistry with co-star Erin Gray (Colonel Wilma Deering) and also the voice of Mel Blanc (Twiki) helped the show become a cult classic that still resonates with fans decades later.
A Career That Soared Beyond the Stars
Though he will always be remembered for his time in the cockpit of a starfighter, Gil Gerard had a career that spanned beyond the sci-fi genre. Before he was navigating the cosmos, he was a familiar face in American living rooms as Dr. Alan Stewart on the soap opera “The Doctors,” appearing in over 300 episodes.
During the 80s and 90s, he remained a constant presence on television. He starred in the martial arts drama “Sidekicks” with Ernie Reyes Jr. Gerard additionally appeared on the TV series “E.A.R.T.H. Force.” Later he hosted the reality series “Code 3.” Gerard never fully stepped away from the industry, appearing in soap “Days of Our Lives” and even sharing the screen with heavyweights such as Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in the 2016 action comedy “The Nice Guys.”
Gil Gerard’s Final Message to His Fans
One of the most moving aspects of this loss is the final message Gil Gerard had left behind. In a touching Facebook post which was shared by his wife after his passing, the actor offered a final reflection on his life – it was a life he described as an “amazing journey.”
His parting words serve as a powerful reminder to us all. He said:
“Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gerard is survived by his wife Janet and his son, Gib. Though he has left this earthly plane of existence, the joy he brought to millions of fans ensures that he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace – soar among the stars, Buck.
