The world of science fiction and television has lost one of its iconic stars. Gil Gerard, the American actor best known for portraying the titular hero in the 1979 series 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century', has passed away. He was 82 years old.
A Final Message from the Star
His wife, Janet, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a post on the actor's official Facebook page. She revealed that Gerard died on Tuesday after a brief and intense battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. "From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days," she wrote, expressing her profound grief and calling him her "soulmate."
In a separate, poignant post, Janet shared a final message written by Gerard himself, which he had asked her to publish. The message reflected on his fulfilling 82-year journey. "My life has been an amazing journey... It's been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has," he wrote. He urged his fans and readers, "Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love," signing off with, "See you out somewhere in the cosmos."
The Role That Defined a Generation
Gil Gerard's breakthrough and most defining role came in 1979 when he stepped into the boots of Captain William 'Buck' Rogers. The series, which followed the adventures of a 20th-century astronaut who wakes up in the 25th century, became a cult classic. It featured a memorable cast including Erin Gray as Col. Wilma Deering and Thom Christopher as the alien Hawk.
The show premiered as a two-part television film before launching into a weekly series. 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century' ran for two seasons, producing a total of 32 episodes before its cancellation in April 1981, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
A Lasting Legacy in Film and Television
Born in 1943, Gerard began his career with television commercials and minor TV roles before landing the part that would make him a household name among sci-fi enthusiasts. Beyond Buck Rogers, he built a substantial body of work in television. His credits include notable roles in series like 'The Doctors', 'Days of Our Lives', and 'Nightingales', as well as telefilms such as 'Help Wanted: Male' and 'Sidekicks'.
His film career continued in later years with appearances in projects like 'The Nice Guys' (2016) and 'Space Captain and Callista'. According to industry publication Variety, his most recent credit was in the film 'Blood Fare'.
The actor's passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic American science fiction television. He is survived by his wife, Janet, with whom he shared 18 years of marriage, making their home in North Georgia.
