- Gil Geard died on December 16 at the age of 82.
- Gerard had been battling with an aggressive form of cancer, according to his wife, Janet.
- Gerard was known for playing the title character in ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.’
Gil Gerard, the actor best known for portraying Captain William “Buck” Rogers, died on December 16, at the age of 82 after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer. His wife, Janet Gerard, announced his passing, saying he died early that day in hospice care in North Georgia. She noted that there were only a few days between his diagnosis and his death.
In a message shared on his official Facebook page at his request, Gerard reflected on his life and wrote that the people he met and the experiences he had made his 82 years fulfilling. He encouraged readers to pursue what excites them or brings them love and signed off with the line, “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.” Janet Gerard also shared a personal tribute, describing him as her soulmate and urging others to cherish the people closest to them.
TV legend Gil Gerard, known as the beloved Buck Rogers, has passed away
“Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” announced Janet. “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days. No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have ever been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.”
Gerard had also composed a post to be shared after his passing. “If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to,” his post reads. “My life has been an amazing journey. 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.”
It continues, “My journey has taken me from Arkansas to New York to Los Angeles, and finally, to my home in North Georgia with my amazing wife, Janet, of 18 years. It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has. Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gerard was most closely associated with his role as the title character in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, an NBC science-fiction series that aired from 1979 to 1981. The show followed a NASA pilot from the 20th century who awakens hundreds of years in the future after being frozen in space, navigating a vastly changed world. The series and its feature-length pilot became a defining part of Gerard’s career and cemented his place in science-fiction television history.
Life among the stars
Before landing Buck Rogers, Gerard moved to New York in 1969 to study acting and supported himself by working as a taxi driver. His early career included uncredited work in films, television commercials, and roles on soap operas and episodic television. He appeared for several years as Dr. Alan Stewart on The Doctors and had guest roles on series including Little House on the Prairie and Hawaii Five-O.
After Buck Rogers ended, Gerard continued acting steadily in television movies, feature films, and guest appearances. His later credits included Sidekicks, Airport ’77, and roles on shows such as Days of Our Lives and Drop Dead Diva. He also became a regular presence at fan conventions, including Dragon Con, where he connected with longtime fans of his work.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on January 23, 1943, Gerard was married five times and is survived by his wife Janet and his son, Gilbert Vincent “Gib” Gerard, from his marriage to actress Connie Sellecca. His son followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor, then later became a radio co-host.