Buck Rogers Star Gil Gerard Dies at 82 After Cancer Battle
Gil Gerard, the distinguished actor who brought Captain William "Buck" Rogers to life in the beloved science fiction series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has passed away at the age of 82 following a brief but aggressive battle with cancer.
The actor's wife, Janet Gerard, announced his death through social media, sharing that her husband had succumbed to "a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer" after only days of illness.
"Early this morning Gil, my soulmate, lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer," Mrs Gerard wrote. "From the moment when 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."
A Distinguished Career in Entertainment
Gerard's most notable role came in 1979 when he starred in the theatrical release of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, which subsequently launched a television series that ran for two seasons. The character, originally created in 1930s comic strips, found new life through Gerard's portrayal of an astronaut transported 500 years into the future.
Initially hesitant about accepting the role, Gerard expressed concerns about being typecast. "I saw what it did to Adam West's career with Batman, and this was another cartoon character," he reflected in a 2018 interview. "I didn't want to do this campy stuff."
From Arkansas to Hollywood
Born Gilbert Cyril Gerard in Little Rock, Arkansas, the actor began his journey at Arkansas State Teacher College before relocating to New York in 1969. He honed his craft at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy under Philip Burton's tutelage.
Gerard's entry into professional acting came through a fortuitous encounter that led to work as an extra in the 1970 film Love Story. He subsequently built a solid foundation in daytime television, appearing in soap operas including Another World and The Doctors, where he portrayed Dr Alan Stewart across more than 300 episodes.
A Life Well-Lived
In a final statement shared through his verified social media account, Gerard reflected on his 82 years with characteristic grace and wisdom.
"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," he wrote. "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."
Gerard is survived by his wife Janet, with whom he shared 18 years of marriage. His legacy in television and film remains a testament to his dedication to the craft of acting and his ability to bring beloved characters to life for audiences worldwide.