Gil Gerard has died at the age of 82. Janet Gerard, the actor's wife, announced the news on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Though he had numerous roles in both film and television, Gil is perhaps best known for playing the title role in the sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
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Janet wrote on her Facebook page that they knew "something was wrong" several days ago. He was diagnosed with "a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer."
Gil Gerard Said Goodbye to Fans
On the actor's Facebook page, Janet wrote that she was by the actor's side when he died. She then shared a message Gil had written to fans before his death:
"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.
"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, Janey, of 18 years. It's been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has.
"Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos."
A Life Well Lived
Through the late 1960s and most of the 1970s, Gil appeared in roles in both television and film, most notably in the soap opera The Doctors and as the young lover of Lee Grant in Airport '77.
As networks sought to capitalize on the Star Wars phenomenon, Gil was cast as the lovable, handsome Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the TV adaptation of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
The series pilot premiered in theaters in 1979 and became a hit, prompting the network to pick up the show. It ran for two years. Gil would continue to work for decades. He was also the subject of a Discovery documentary titled "Action Hero Makeover," which followed his recovery and weight loss after mini-gastric bypass surgery. He also appeared in the 2016 Ryan Gosling/Russell Crowe film The Nice Guys.
Gerard had one child with his first wife, actress Connie Sellecca.
