Gil Gerard, best known for playing the lead role in the science fiction television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, died on Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his wife, Janet Gerard, who shared a tribute on Facebook on Tuesday evening. In her post, she described Gerard as her ‘soulmate’ and revealed that he had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She said his condition deteriorated rapidly and that he died only days after they realised something was seriously wrong.
Gerard had also prepared a statement that his wife shared on Facebook after his death. In it, he said he had lived a full and satisfying life, moving from Arkansas to New York and Los Angeles before settling in North Georgia with his wife, Janet.
Breakthrough role in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century aired for two seasons from 1979 to 1981. The series was based on the iconic character created by Philip Francis Nowlan in 1928. It began as a made-for-TV movie that received a theatrical release in 1979 and went on to earn 21 million dollars at the box office. Following its success, Universal and NBC expanded the project into a weekly television series.
A hero from the past in a futuristic world
In the show, Gerard portrayed Captain William “Buck” Rogers, a 20th-century astronaut who is frozen in space for more than 500 years and awakens in the year 2491. The story followed his adjustment to a futuristic society and his efforts to protect it from various villains. The role made Gerard a well-known face on television and a key figure in late 1970s and early 1980s science fiction.
Early life and move to acting
Gil Gerard was born on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the youngest of three sons born to Frank Gerard, a knife salesman, and Gladys Gerard, a teacher. He first attended Arkansas State Teacher College before leaving and moving to New York City in 1969 to pursue acting. He later studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
From cab driver to television star
While trying to break into the industry, Gerard worked as a cab driver in New York. One of his passengers helped him secure work as an extra in the 1970 film Love Story. He later appeared in commercials, took on guest roles in television shows such as Little House on the Prairie, and spent several years on the NBC daytime soap The Doctors.
Reluctant start to an iconic role
Gerard’s major break came when he was cast as Buck Rogers. In a 2018 interview, he admitted he was initially unsure about accepting the role, feeling the show might be too campy. Despite his doubts, the series became the most recognisable work of his career and cemented his place in television history.