Gil Gerard, best known as Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at 82 after a battle with rare cancer. Explore his life, career, and lasting impact on television.
Gil Gerard, Buck Rogers Star and TV Icon, Dies at 82
Gil Gerard, the Arkansas-born actor best remembered for bringing swagger, humor, and humanity to the title role in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82. Gerard passed away Tuesday at his home in Georgia following a battle with what his wife, Janet, described as a “rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer.” Her announcement, shared in a heartfelt Facebook post, prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who grew up watching Gerard pilot the future with charm and wit.
For many viewers, Gil Gerard was Buck Rogers—the wisecracking space hero who helped define television science fiction in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Yet his career stretched far beyond one iconic role, encompassing film, television, Broadway production, and even reality programming.
From Arkansas Roots to Hollywood Dreams
Born Gilbert Cyril Gerard on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was the youngest of three sons. His father, Frank Gerard, worked as a knife salesman, while his mother, Gladys, was a teacher. Gerard attended Little Rock Catholic High School and later spent time at Arkansas State Teacher College, now the University of Central Arkansas.
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In 1969, driven by ambition and a love for performance, he moved to New York City to pursue acting seriously. He studied under Philip Burton at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and supported himself by driving a taxi at night. One seemingly ordinary cab ride changed his trajectory: a passenger helped arrange an audition for Love Story (1970). Gerard landed a small role, worked on the film for weeks, and gained his first real exposure to the industry—even though his scene was ultimately cut.
A Working Actor Before Stardom
Throughout the early 1970s, Gerard built a steady career. He appeared in more than 400 commercials by his own count and gained recognition as Dr. Alan Stewart on NBC’s daytime soap The Doctors from 1973 to 1976. Film roles followed, including Man on a Swing (1974) opposite Cliff Robertson and Airport ’77, where he played Lee Grant’s romantic interest.
He also showed entrepreneurial spirit. Gerard developed and produced the 1977 comedy Hooch through his company, Prudhomme Productions. Set in Appalachia, the film leaned into moonshiner humor, something Gerard later admitted was heavily inspired by Smokey and the Bandit.
Becoming Buck Rogers
Gerard’s life changed in 1979 when he was approached to star in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, co-produced by Glen A. Larson for Universal Television. Based on the classic comic strip character previously portrayed by Olympic swimmer Buster Crabbe, the project began as a feature-length TV movie following the massive success of Star Wars.
Initially, Gerard was reluctant. He worried about being typecast, citing how Batman affected Adam West’s career. Still, he was persuaded, and the gamble paid off. The Buck Rogers movie became a major hit, ranking among the top 25 domestic box office earners of the year. It was later re-edited into the series’ two-hour pilot episode.
The show ran for two seasons and 32 episodes between 1979 and 1981. Gerard starred as Captain William Anthony “Buck” Rogers, a NASA and U.S. Air Force pilot accidentally frozen in space and awakened in the year 2491. His performance balanced humor, relatability, and bravery, making Buck more human than superhero. He starred alongside Erin Gray as Wilma Deering and Felix Silla as the robot Twiki, voiced by the legendary Mel Blanc.
“I liked his humanity,” Gerard once said. “He could solve problems on his feet. He wasn’t a stiff guy.”
Life and Career After Buck Rogers
After the series ended, Gerard continued working steadily. He starred in television films such as Help Wanted: Male (1982) with Suzanne Pleshette and led the ABC series Sidekicks (1986–87), playing a bachelor cop mentoring a martial-arts prodigy portrayed by Ernie Reyes Jr.
His career also included producing the Broadway musical Amen Corner in 1983, based on the James Baldwin play. Later appearances included E.A.R.T.H. Force, Days of Our Lives, and even a small role in the 2016 comedy The Nice Guys alongside Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Gerard was candid about his personal challenges, particularly his struggles with weight. In the Discovery Health Channel documentary Action Hero Makeover (2007), he documented his decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery after his weight reached 350 pounds. He once estimated that overeating cost him nearly $1 million in lost work opportunities.
Despite setbacks, Gerard remained reflective and resilient, maintaining friendships across political and entertainment circles, including a long-standing friendship with former President Bill Clinton.
A Lasting Legacy
Gil Gerard was married four times, including to actress Connie Sellecca from 1979 to 1987. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Janet, and his son, Gib.
Though decades have passed since Buck Rogers in the 25th Century first aired, Gerard’s portrayal remains a beloved part of television history. For fans, he will always be the charming pilot who woke up centuries too late—and made the future feel a little more human.
Gil Gerard leaves behind a legacy defined not just by sci-fi fame, but by perseverance, creativity, and a genuine connection with audiences that continues long after the final episode fades to black.