Buck Rogers Actor Gil Gerard Dies Aged 82

Gil Gerard, the actor best known for playing the iconic space hero in the hit television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82. His wife, Janet Gerard, confirmed his death in an emotional social media post, revealing that he passed away after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Janet shared the news on Facebook early this week, posting a carousel of photos from their life together and a heartfelt tribute to her husband. “Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” she wrote.

She explained how quickly his health declined, adding, “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days.”

Janet reflected on the depth of their relationship and the pain of the loss, writing, “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.”

Later, she shared what she described as Gerard’s final message, offering fans a glimpse into his mindset at the end of his life. “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,” the message read.

Gerard went on to reflect on the path his life had taken, both personally and professionally. “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. It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has.”

Born in January 1943, Gerard rose to fame in the late 1970s as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, a role that made him a pop culture staple during the height of science fiction television. The series aired from 1979 to 1981 and earned a devoted fan base, cementing Gerard’s place in TV history, according to Deadline.

Beyond Buck Rogers, Gerard appeared in a range of television shows and films across several decades. His final on-screen appearance came in the 2016 movie Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel.

Tributes from fans have begun pouring in online, many remembering Gerard for bringing charm, humor, and heroism to a generation of science fiction viewers. As his wife’s words and his own final message make clear, Gerard leaves behind not only a lasting body of work but a life he considered full, meaningful, and well-lived.

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