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Gil Gerard, 'Buck Rogers' Star, Dies at 82 After Brave Cancer Battle

Gil Gerard, the actor who brought Buck Rogers to life, has died at 82. His wife confirmed he lost a short battle with a very aggressive cancer. In a poignant final message, Gerard reflected on his amazing life journey and shared heartfelt advice. He will be remembered as a defining face of late-70s science fiction television.

Key Points: Gil Gerard Buck Rogers Star Dies at 82 After Cancer

  • Gil Gerard passed away after a brief fight with a rare, aggressive form of cancer
  • His wife Janet shared the heartbreaking news and his final, inspiring message
  • He rose to fame playing Captain William Rogers in the 1979 sci-fi series 'Buck Rogers'
  • His career spanned decades, including roles in TV movies, soaps, and recent films
2 min read

'Buck Rogers' star Gil Gerard passes away at 92 after battling with cancer

Actor Gil Gerard, best known for starring in 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century', has passed away at 82 following a short battle with aggressive cancer.

"Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos. - Gil Gerard's final message"

Los Angeles, December 17

Gil Gerard, the American actor who famously starred in the 1979 sci-fi series, 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century', has passed away at 82.

As confirmed by Gerard's wife, Janet, in a Facebook post, the actor died on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

"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 never been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely," Janet wrote in the post.

In another post shared on the official Facebook handle of Gil Gerard, Janet shared a message that the late actor wanted to share with the world.

"If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to. 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, Janet, 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," the message read.

'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century' ran for two seasons, featuring Gil Gerard as Captain William Rogers, who was aided in his adventures by the spandex-jumpsuited Col. Wilma Deering (Erin Gray) and the feather-headed alien Hawk (Thom Christopher).

The film was split into a two-part series premiere. With a total of 32 episodes, 'Buck Rogers' lasted till April 1981 before being cancelled, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Among his other projects were telefilms like 'Help Wanted: Male', 'Sidekicks', 'The Doctors', 'Nightingales', 'Days of Our Lives', and 'E.A.R.T.H. Force'. His most recent film credits include 'Space Captain and Callista', 'The Nice Guys', and 'Blood Fare'.

As per Variety, Gil Gerard was born in 1943 and began his career with commercials and small roles on television before a big break with 'Buck Rogers'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His final message is so beautiful and profound. "Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love." A lesson for all of us. Condolences to his wife and family. Cancer is truly vicious.
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Aman W
I remember watching reruns of this show with my dad. It was our Sunday morning ritual. Gerard's Buck Rogers was like our Indian superhero, but from space! A part of childhood memories fades away with him.
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Sarah B
While the show was iconic for its time, watching it now, the special effects look quite dated! 😅 But Gerard's performance had a sincere quality that still shines through. A life well-lived, by the sound of his message.
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Vikram M
82 is a good age, but cancer spares no one. It's a reminder to get regular check-ups, something we often ignore in India until it's too late. His wife's words are heartbreaking. Om Shanti.
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Karthik V
It's interesting how these old American shows created a global fanbase. Before the Marvel and DC domination, it was shows like Buck Rogers that made us dream of space travel. Gerard was a pioneer in that sense. Respect.

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