Gil Gerard, Star of ‘Buck Rogers,’ Passes Away at 82 and Shares Heartfelt Message for Fans

Gil Gerard, Star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Passes Away at 82

Gil Gerard, best known for his role in the early 1980s television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, died this morning at the age of 82 after a courageous battle with cancer. His passing occurred in hospice care, with his wife, Janet Gerard, by his side. Janet shared the news via social media earlier today.

In a heartfelt message posted late today on Gerard’s personal Facebook page, she revealed a statement he had written prior to his death, meant for sharing at this moment. “My life has been an amazing journey,” the message read. “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. Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, produced by Glen A. Larson, aired for two seasons on NBC, aiming to capitalize on the popularity of Star Wars while incorporating elements of camp and comedy, especially through the character of Twiki, a jive-talking robot voiced by Mel Blanc. Gerard starred alongside Erin Gray, who portrayed Col. Wilma Deering, and Thom Christopher as the alien Hawk.

The series was preceded by a successful made-for-TV movie that served as its pilot, and throughout his career, Gerard remained active in the industry. He featured in various episodic television roles and independent films, including a stint as Dr. John Harding in CBS’s E.A.R.T.H. Force in 1990 and a six-episode arc on Days of Our Lives in 1997. Most recently, he appeared as Bergen Paulsen in the film The Nice Guys, featuring stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.

Before gaining fame as Buck Rogers, Gerard played Dr. Alan Stewart in over 300 episodes of NBC’s The Doctors.

Janet Gerard’s statement about her husband conveyed deep affection, stating, “Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer. From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days. No matter how many years I got to spend with him, it would have ever been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.”