Gil Gerard, best remembered for his star-making role in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," has bid his final farewell to the world at the age of 82. Tina Presley Borek, Gerard's manager, confirmed the Hollywood actor's passing to Fox News Digital, revealing that he had succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of cancer while receiving hospice care on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook by his wife, Janet, in the aftermath of his demise, Gerard left a final reflection on his life and outlook. "Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos," the note read, leaving a lasting impression on his fans.
Prior to his passing, Gerard shared another message reflecting on his life and career. "My life has been an extraordinary journey," he wrote. "The opportunities I've had, the people I've met, and the love I've given and received have made my 82 years on this planet deeply fulfilling."
Gerard's passing marks the end of an era for late 1970s television, as he played William "Buck" Rogers from 1979 to 1981, turning the character into a prime-time favorite. The series, which aired for two seasons, followed a 20th-century NASA pilot who awakens 500 years in the future after being trapped in frozen animation when his spacecraft is struck by a meteor storm. The show's popularity was fueled by the surge in space adventures after "Star Wars," and Gerard's charismatic and clean-cut presence made him an instant TV star.
The series was based on Philip Francis Nowlan's 1928 book "Armageddon 2419 A.D." The character, originally named Anthony Rogers, later became known as Buck Rogers as the story evolved through comic strips, radio, film serials, and television adaptations.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard worked steadily in television commercials before landing his breakthrough role. He went on to appear in numerous TV shows and movies, including starring roles in 1982's "Hear No Evil" and the series "Sidekicks" in 1986. In 1992, he hosted the reality series "Code 3," which followed firefighters responding to emergency calls across the country. Throughout the 1990s, he made frequent guest appearances on television, including a role on "Days of Our Lives."
Gerard later reunited with Erin Gray for the 2007 TV film "Nuclear Hurricane," and the two returned once more to the Buck Rogers universe in 2009, portraying Rogers' parents in the pilot episode of James Cawley's internet series "Buck Rogers Begins."
Married and divorced four times before finding his final partner in Janet, Gerard had one son, actor Gilbert Vincent Gerard, with model and actress Connie Sellecca. Their divorce included a contentious custody battle over their son, born in 1981, with Sellecca ultimately granted primary custody.
In his final public message, Gerard summed up his life with gratitude and grace. "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 wrote. "It's been a thrilling ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has."
