Gil Gerard, the Arkansas-born actor best known as the face of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died aged 82 after a brief battle with a rare and aggressively fast-moving form of cancer, his wife Janet confirmed.
- Fast Facts:
- Age: 82. Cause: a rare, viciously aggressive cancer that progressed in days.
- Died at his home in North Georgia; announcement posted by his wife, Janet.
- Signature role: Captain William “Buck” Rogers — appeared in all 32 episodes (1979–1981).
- Survived by wife Janet and son Gib Gerard (44), and remembered for a career spanning soap operas, films and TV.
The Lede
Janet Gerard announced early Tuesday that “my soulmate” lost his fight after only days from the moment symptoms were noticed. She described the cancer as “rare and viciously aggressive,” saying the period between diagnosis and his death was just days.
The Legacy
Gil Gerard became a household name as the lead of a landmark sci‑fi series and left a varied career across television and film. Key career highlights include:
- Buck Rogers in the 25th Century — Gerard starred as Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the NBC series (1979–1981), appearing in all 32 episodes and anchoring a show that blended space adventure with light comedy.
- The Doctors — Before Buck Rogers he was Dr. Alan Stewart, appearing in 303 episodes between 1973 and 1976 and establishing himself as a familiar TV presence.
- Feature films — Gerard appeared in films including Airport ’77 and Hooch, and later sustained a steady TV career with roles in series and TV movies such as Sidekicks, E.A.R.T.H. Force and Nightingales.
Wife’s Tribute & His Final Message
Janet’s Facebook post called Gil her “soulmate” and urged loved ones to “Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.” She confirmed the speed of his decline: “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days.”
“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’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.” — Gil Gerard (statement shared by his wife)
Social Proof: Fan and Peer Reactions
Tributes poured in online within hours, with fans praising both his work and his kindness. Typical responses included memories of convention encounters and childhood fandom:
- “My older brother and I had a chance to meet him at a con once and he gave us his undivided attention. Pleasure to meet him.”
- “Buck Rogers was one of my heroes & I’m sad to hear about the passing of GIL GERARD at the age of 82.”
- “Farewell to Gil Gerard. I loved Buck Rogers when I was little & thought he was the coolest cat in the 25th century.”
Personal Life & Facts
Gerard was married to Janet for 18 years and previously to Bobi Leonard, Connie Sellecca, Constance Elizabeth Gerkin and Connie Jean McVay. He is survived by his son, actor Gib Gerard (44), from his marriage to Connie Sellecca.
Why He Mattered
Though he once hesitated to take a role he feared would typecast him, Gerard embraced Buck Rogers and the show became his signature. His mix of genre television, soap‑opera pedigree and steady film work made him a touchstone for sci‑fi fans of a generation.
This is a developing story. We will update with further details and official tributes as they are confirmed.
Image Referance: https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/15652498/gil-gerard-buck-rogers-star-dies-wife-tribute/