By Harshit
ATLANTA, DECEMBER 17, 2025
Gil Gerard, the actor who became a defining face of science fiction television as Captain William “Buck” Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82. Gerard passed away Tuesday in Georgia after a short but aggressive battle with cancer, according to his wife, Janet, who confirmed his death.
Best remembered for bringing charm, humor, and grounded humanity to one of television’s most iconic sci-fi heroes, Gerard helped usher science fiction into mainstream prime-time television at the dawn of the blockbuster era. His portrayal of Buck Rogers ran for two seasons from 1979 to 1981 and left a lasting imprint on the genre.
From Arkansas Roots to Hollywood Ambition
Born Gilbert Cyril Gerard on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard was raised in a modest household. His father worked as a knife salesman, and his mother was a teacher. After finishing high school and attending Arkansas State Teacher College, Gerard set his sights on acting and moved to New York City in 1969.
Like many aspiring performers, he struggled early. He drove a cab to support himself and landed his first film opportunity through a chance interaction with a passenger, leading to background work on Love Story. Over the next several years, Gerard became a familiar face in advertising, appearing in more than 400 commercials, while taking on small roles in soap operas and television dramas.
His persistence paid off when he joined NBC’s long-running medical drama The Doctors, portraying Alan Stewart, a former prisoner of war turned physician. The role provided stability — but his life would change dramatically soon after.
Becoming Buck Rogers — Reluctantly
When Universal Television approached Gerard about starring in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, he was hesitant. The actor feared being typecast in a campy role, wary of how superhero fame had constrained other actors’ careers. But the timing was impossible to ignore: Star Wars had reignited global interest in science fiction, and audiences were hungry for futuristic adventure.
The initial made-for-TV movie debuted in 1979 and was a major success, grossing more than $20 million at the box office. That success launched the full series, co-produced by Glen A. Larson, which aired 32 episodes over two seasons.
Gerard’s Buck Rogers was a NASA pilot frozen in space in 1987 and revived 504 years later in a post-apocalyptic future. Alongside Erin Gray’s Colonel Wilma Deering and the wisecracking robot Twiki, voiced by Mel Blanc, Gerard created a hero who felt relatable rather than invincible.
“He wasn’t a superhero,” Gerard once said. “He was just a guy who could think on his feet.”
A Career Beyond the 25th Century
After Buck Rogers ended in 1981, Gerard continued working steadily across television, film, and theater. He starred in the ABC series Sidekicks as a bachelor police officer mentoring a young martial artist, appeared in television movies such as Help Wanted: Male, and produced projects through his own company.
His credits also included E.A.R.T.H. Force, Nightingales, Days of Our Lives, and later film appearances such as The Nice Guys. On Broadway, he produced Amen Corner, based on the James Baldwin play, demonstrating his interest in socially grounded storytelling beyond genre television.
Personal Battles and Public Honesty
Gerard was candid about the challenges he faced off-screen. Married four times — including a high-profile marriage to actress Connie Sellecca — he spoke openly about long-term struggles with weight and health. In 2007, he underwent gastric bypass surgery and documented the experience on television, hoping his story might help others.
He later estimated that health issues cost him significant work opportunities, but he approached the subject with accountability rather than regret, often describing his life as a journey of growth rather than loss.
A Lasting Legacy
In a statement released after his death, Gerard reflected on his life with gratitude and peace, calling his 82 years “deeply satisfying.” He encouraged others to pursue joy and love without hesitation, closing with a sentiment fitting for a sci-fi icon: “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gil Gerard is survived by his wife, Janet, and extended family.
For generations of viewers, he was the man who woke up in the future and faced it with wit, warmth, and resilience. His legacy endures not only in reruns and fan conventions, but in the DNA of modern science fiction television — where heroes are allowed to be human.