Gil Gerard, best known for his iconic role as Buck Rogers, has died at the age of 82. His wife, Janet, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that the actor had been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Before his passing, Gerard also prepared a personal message to be shared after his death.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1943, Gil Gerard became a household name as the lead in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, a sci-fi franchise that began as a feature film in 1979 and later expanded into a television series that aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981.
Janet shared that Gerard passed away early Tuesday morning, December 16, after a brief but intense illness.
“Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” she wrote. “From the moment 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 ever been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.”
The Buck Rogers character originated as a popular comic strip and was previously portrayed in a 1939 movie serial starring Olympic swimmer Buster Crabbe. Gerard’s version debuted just after the massive success of Star Wars, and despite initial uncertainty, it quickly resonated with audiences.
Gerard later admitted that he was hesitant to take the role at first. In a 2018 interview, he explained, “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.”
Ultimately, he was persuaded to accept the role—a decision that proved pivotal. The 1979 Buck Rogers film became a major hit, landing among the top 25 highest-grossing movies in the United States that year. The success led to the television adaptation, which ran for 32 episodes before being canceled in April 1981.
Following Buck Rogers, Gerard continued working steadily in television and film. His credits included Help Wanted: Male, Sidekicks, E.A.R.T.H. FORCE, and Days of Our Lives. In later years, he appeared in projects such as Space Captain and Callista and The Nice Guys.
On the evening of his passing, a deeply personal message appeared on Gerard’s Facebook page. Written by the actor himself before his death, the note was shared by Janet as he had requested.
“I was by his side when my husband passed away this morning in hospice care,” she wrote. “Below is the message he left.”
In his own words, Gerard reflected on his life and legacy:
“If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to. 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.”
He concluded with a message that captured his spirit and sense of wonder:
“It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has. Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gil Gerard is remembered not only for his contribution to science fiction and television, but also for the warmth, gratitude, and curiosity he carried throughout his life.
Rest in peace.
