Key Points
- Actor Gil Gerard, best known for playing Buck Rogers in the NBC sci‑fi series, has died at 82.
- His wife, Janet, announced he passed away from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
- Gerard rose to fame with roles in Airport ’77, Hooch, and later the hit series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
- The show ran for two seasons from 1979 to 1981 and became a cult favorite.
- Gerard continued working in television and film throughout the 1980s and beyond.
Sci‑Fi Icon Gil Gerard Remembered
Gil Gerard, the actor who brought Captain William “Buck” Rogers to life for a generation of sci‑fi fans, has died at the age of 82. His wife, Janet, shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that Gerard had been battling a rare and aggressive cancer.
Gerard, who lived in Georgia, leaves behind a legacy defined by one of television’s most memorable space heroes.
From Early Film Roles to a Career‑Defining Breakthrough
Before stepping into the futuristic world of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Gerard built a steady career in film and television. He appeared in Airport ’77 as Lee Grant’s romantic interest and later starred in the comedy Hooch, which he also produced.
His career shifted dramatically when Universal Television and producer Glen A. Larson approached him for Buck Rogers. The series, adapted from the classic comic strip, premiered in 1979 during a surge of sci‑fi popularity following the success of Star Wars.
Though initially hesitant—Gerard worried about being typecast, citing Adam West’s experience after Batman—he ultimately accepted the role. The feature film version performed well, leading NBC to rework it into a two‑hour pilot for the series.
A Sci‑Fi Hero Who Captured Audiences
Across 32 episodes and two seasons, Gerard’s portrayal of Buck Rogers—a NASA and U.S. Air Force pilot who awakens centuries in the future after a space accident—became a defining role. He starred alongside Erin Gray and Felix Silla, whose character Twiki became a fan favorite.
The series ended in April 1981 but left a lasting mark on sci‑fi television.
A Career Beyond the 25th Century
Gerard continued acting after Buck Rogers, taking on diverse roles that showcased his range. He led the 1982 telefilm Help Wanted: Male with Suzanne Pleshette and later starred as a bachelor cop in ABC’s Sidekicks from 1986 to 1987.
Born January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard was the youngest of three sons. After high school and a brief stint at Arkansas State Teacher College, he moved to New York to pursue acting, studying under Philip Burton at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
His early work included commercials, a role on NBC’s The Doctors, and various film projects before his breakout moment.
What Happens Next?
Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry are expected to honor Gerard’s contributions to sci‑fi and television in the coming days. His portrayal of Buck Rogers remains a touchstone for genre enthusiasts, ensuring his legacy endures through reruns, conventions, and the generations of viewers who grew up watching him navigate the 25th century.
