Gil Gerard, the beloved actor forever linked to Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82 after a brief battle with cancer.
The Arkansas-born star passed away Tuesday at his home in Georgia, according to his wife, Janet Gerard, who confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“Early this morning Gil — my soulmate — lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” she wrote. “From the moment we knew something was wrong to his passing was only days.”
Janet added that no amount of time with him would ever have been enough, urging others to hold their loved ones close and love them fiercely.
The couple had been married for 18 years. Gerard was previously married four times and shared a son, actor Gib Gerard, 44, with actress Connie Sellecca.
After his death, Janet also shared a statement Gerard had written to be released after he was gone. In it, he reflected on a life he called an “amazing journey,” filled with opportunity, love, and gratitude.
“My journey took me from Arkansas to New York to Los Angeles, and finally home to North Georgia with my amazing wife,” he wrote. “It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close. Don’t waste time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Fans quickly flooded social media with tributes, remembering Gerard not only for his iconic role, but for his warmth and generosity. Several recalled meeting him at conventions and being struck by how kind and attentive he was.
Gerard became a household name as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, a 20th-century astronaut who awakens hundreds of years in the future. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981, running two seasons and 32 episodes.
The sci-fi adventure series, created in the wake of Star Wars’ success, mixed space action with humor and starred Erin Gray, Felix Silla, Tim O’Connor, Eric Server, and voice legend Mel Blanc. Jamie Lee Curtis also appeared in two early episodes.
Though the role defined his career, Gerard later admitted he was hesitant to take it, worried about being typecast by a campy character.
Before Buck Rogers, he played Dr. Alan Stewart on the daytime drama The Doctors, appearing in more than 300 episodes. His film credits included Airport ’77 and Hooch, and he continued working steadily on television for decades, with roles in Sidekicks, E.A.R.T.H. Force, Days of Our Lives, and numerous TV movies.
For fans of classic television and sci-fi, Gil Gerard will always be remembered as the coolest man in the 25th century.