Gil Gerard, Star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Dies at 82
Gil Gerard, the actor best known for playing Captain William “Buck Rogers” in the sci-fi TV series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at age 82. His passing was announced by his wife, Janet Gerard, who shared on social media that he lost his battle with a rare and aggressively fast-moving form of cancer, passing away on Tuesday in hospice care.
Gerard became a beloved figure in science fiction with Buck Rogers, which began as a 1979 feature film and then launched a television series on NBC that aired for two seasons and 32 episodes. The show followed Capt. Rogers, a NASA pilot who awakens five centuries in the future and becomes a hero in a post-apocalyptic world, and it became a cult favorite among genre fans in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In messages shared online, Janet described the swift progression of his illness, noting that only a few days passed from diagnosis to his death. She also posted a statement that Gerard had prepared himself, expressing deep gratitude for his life, the people he met, and the love he shared, and encouraging others to focus on what brings joy and meaning.
Gerard’s career spanned decades and included hundreds of commercials, roles in films such as Airport ’77 and Hooch, and appearances on popular television series before and after his work on Buck Rogers. Born January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, he pursued acting seriously after moving to New York in the late 1960s and later worked steadily across TV and film. He is survived by his wife of many years and his son, who is also an actor.
Fans, co-stars, and fellow creators have begun paying tribute online, remembering Gerard not only for his iconic sci-fi role but also for his warmth and engagement with the fan community over the years.
