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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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The actor Gil Gerard died on Tuesday at his home in Georgia from a "rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer," his wife Janet said.
"From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days," she wrote on Facebook.
Gerard leaves behind a significant legacy in American television, particularly in the science fiction genre. His portrayal of Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the late 1970s helped define televised sci-fi and inspired generations of fans and industry professionals.
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The series, "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," achieved success in the wake of the original "Star Wars" film and remains a touchstone in U.S. pop culture history.
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What To Know
Gerard was born in 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and began working in television in the early 1970s, gaining initial fame on the soap opera "The Doctors."
His breakthrough came with his starring role as Captain William “Buck” Rogers—a NASA pilot catapulted 500 years into the future—on NBC’s "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." The character originated in comic strips from the 1930s and was previously adapted for film.
Gerard’s portrayal blended a sense of humor and humanity, distinguishing the show during its two-season run from 1979 to 1981.
The series began as a successful 1979 TV movie, which grossed $21 million and was subsequently adapted as the pilot episode of the series.
Gerard also appeared in projects ranging from "Airport '77" to "Sidekicks," and had a visible presence in numerous television films throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
He also discussed his personal struggles with weight on the reality series "Action Hero Makeover."
What People Are Saying
In a statement prepared for release after his death, 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. 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… Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos."
In her Facebook tribute, Janet Gerard said: "Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer. 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."
Reflecting on his career-defining role, Gerard said in a 2018 interview: "I saw what it did to Adam West's career with 'Batman,' and this was another cartoon character. I didn't want to do this campy stuff."
But he later embraced the part, appreciating the character's depth, saying in 2017: "He wasn’t a stiff kind of guy. He was a guy who could solve problems on his feet, and he wasn’t a superhero."
What Happens Next
Gerard is survived by his wife Janet and his son Gib, who continues his father's legacy in acting.
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