“It’s with great sadness that we share the news of this cherished actor’s passing 🌹 His final message touches us all 😭💔.”

Gil Gerard, the actor forever associated with the iconic science-fiction hero Buck Rogers, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was shared by his wife, Janet Gerard, who revealed that he had been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Though his illness progressed quickly, Gerard left behind a powerful legacy in entertainment and a heartfelt farewell message prepared for his fans.

Born Gilbert Gerard in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1943, Gerard’s path to stardom was far from guaranteed. He left the South to pursue acting in New York and later Los Angeles, enduring years of small roles and uncertainty before landing the part that would define his career. That breakthrough came in 1979, when he starred in *Buck Rogers in the 25th Century*, first as a feature film and then as a television series. At a time when science fiction was surging in popularity, Gerard’s portrayal blended charm, humor, and heroism, making Buck Rogers a beloved figure for a new generation.

Although he initially worried about being typecast, the role became his signature achievement. The series ran until 1981 and earned a devoted fan base that endured for decades. Beyond Buck Rogers, Gerard appeared in a range of television shows and films, including *Help Wanted: Male*, *Sidekicks*, *Days of Our Lives*, and later projects that showcased his versatility and longevity as an actor.

After his passing on December 16, 2025, Janet shared a message Gerard had written in advance. In it, he reflected with gratitude on his life’s journey—from Arkansas to Hollywood to a peaceful home in North Georgia—and encouraged others to pursue what brings them love and joy. He closed with a fitting farewell: “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”

Gil Gerard will be remembered not only as a science-fiction hero, but as a man who lived with passion, humility, and appreciation for the adventure of life itself.