Gil Gerard

Gilbert Cyril "Gil" Gerard, the American television and film actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" franchise, has died at the age of 82. Gerard died December 16, 2025, in Georgia after a brief battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Gerard's death was confirmed on social media by his wife, Janet Gerard, who shared that the illness progressed rapidly in its final days. In a message he had prepared for fans, which his wife shared after his death, Gerard reflected, "My life has been an amazing journey… Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos."

Gil Gerard was born January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the youngest of three sons. He attended Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys and later studied at the University of Central Arkansas, though he left before graduating to pursue acting.

After moving to New York, Gerard began his career with commercials and small parts on daytime dramas. He later appeared in various television series, including a two-year run on the soap opera "The Doctors," before landing the role that would define his career.

Gerard became a household name in 1979 when he starred as Captain William "Buck" Rogers - a 20th-century NASA pilot frozen in space and awakened 500 years in the future - in both the theatrical pilot and the NBC television series "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."

The show, inspired by the classic pulp character, ran for two seasons (1979–1981) and became a cult favorite amid the science-fiction boom sparked by "Star Wars." Gerard's charm and physical presence made him one of the most recognizable faces of late-1970s and early-1980s genre television.

After Buck Rogers, Gerard continued working steadily in film and television. In addition to starring in the 1986 action series "Sidekicks," he made appearances on series such as "Days of Our Lives," "Pacific Blue," "Drop Dead Diva," and more. His film roles included "Airport '77" and later roles in projects like "The Nice Guys" (2016).

He also hosted the reality series "Code 3" in the early 1990s, following firefighters on duty.

Gerard was married multiple times. His marriage to actress Connie Sellecca produced one son, Gilbert Vincent "Gib" Gerard, born in 1981. He later married Janet Gerard, to whom he was married for 18 years and with whom he lived in Georgia until his death.

Open about his personal struggles - including battles with addiction and health issues - Gerard later documented his journey in the 2007 documentary "Action Hero Makeover," capturing his efforts to improve his wellness.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)