Gil Gerard, best known for playing sci-fi hero Buck Rogers, has died at the age of 82. His wife, Janet Gerard, announced that he passed away in hospice after a brief battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.
In a heartfelt message, Janet called him her soulmate and urged others to cherish and love those close to them. She also shared a post written by Gerard himself, in which he reflected on his “amazing journey,” his love-filled life, and encouraged people not to waste time on anything that doesn’t bring joy or love, ending with: “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gerard rose to fame with the 1979 film “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” followed by the hit TV series that ran from 1979 to 1981. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he moved to New York in 1969, working as a taxi driver while training as an actor. After small roles and commercials, a guest appearance on “Little House on the Prairie” led to his breakout role as Buck Rogers.
After the series ended, Gerard continued acting in television and films, made frequent appearances at fan conventions like Dragon Con, and remained a beloved figure among sci-fi fans. He is survived by his son, Gib Gerard.