Gil Gerard, the charismatic actor who brought sci-fi hero Buck Rogers to life on screen during a transformative moment for the genre, has died at 82. His wife, Janet Gerard, announced his death on Tuesday in a Facebook post, writing that Gerard died in hospice care after a rapid and aggressive cancer diagnosis. “Early this morning, Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” she wrote. “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 never been enough.”
A second message, posted to Gerard’s own Facebook page, shared a farewell letter the actor had written before his death. In it, he reflected on his life, career, and the relationships that shaped his eight decades. “If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to,” Gerard wrote. “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.” He closed the message with a poignant blend of philosophy and playfulness: “Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gerard’s rise to fame began with the 1979 Universal film Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. The film became an unexpected hit amid a wave of renewed interest in outer-space storytelling following the success of Star Wars. Its popularity led NBC to launch a companion series of the same name. Gerard reprised his role as the 20th-century astronaut flung 500 years into the future. The show ran for 32 episodes between 1979 and 1981, creating a loyal fan base and securing Gerard’s status as a sci-fi icon.
Long before he donned Buck’s white-and-blue uniform, Gerard worked his way into acting through an unconventional path. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he moved to New York in 1969 and supported himself as a taxi driver while training for roles. According to his website, a passenger was the first to encourage him to audition for the 1970 film Love Story. Although his part was ultimately cut, the experience solidified his determination to remain in the industry. He went on to appear in hundreds of commercials and landed small roles in films like Airport ’77 and the thriller Hooch, steadily building a résumé that showcased his versatility.
Gerard’s career-changing break came after a guest appearance on Little House on the Prairie. Series star Michael Landon was impressed enough to offer Gerard a role in a new project he was developing. While NBC passed on that series, the network had noticed Gerard’s screen presence and later cast him in the title role of Buck Rogers, launching the franchise into mainstream television alongside Universal Pictures.
Following the end of the series, Gerard continued to work steadily in television dramas, guest-starring roles, and made-for-TV films. He appeared in shows such as Drop Dead Diva and Star Trek: New Voyages, the latter a nod to his enduring connection with science-fiction fandoms. His personal life also drew periodic attention. According to IMDb, Gerard had been married and divorced four times and is survived by his son, actor Gib Gerard.
Beyond his on-screen work, Gerard became a fixture on the pop-culture convention circuit, particularly at Dragon Con, a gathering known for celebrating sci-fi and fantasy icons. The convention honored him with a tribute on Facebook. They wrote: “The 25th century won’t be the same without you, and #DragonCon will miss a beloved friend and fan favorite. Rest among the stars, Gil Gerard. You will be missed.”
Gerard’s death marks the loss of an actor whose portrayal of a futuristic hero helped shape the early landscape of televised space adventure. Yet the warmth, humor, and introspective spirit reflected in his final message ensure that his influence—both on screen and among fans—will continue to resonate far beyond the cosmos he once defended.
