Gil Gerard: American actor famed for Buck Rogers In The 25th Century role dies aged 82 - cause of death revealed
American actor Gil Gerard, who was famed for his role on the sci-fi show Buck Rogers In The 25th Century, has died at the age of 82.
His wife Janet shared the sad news that Gerard has passed away at his home in Georgia on Tuesday, December 16. The actor had been battling an aggressive form of cancer for a brief period of time before his death.
She said in a statement posted to social media: “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.”
Janet added: “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.”
A statement from Gerard, shared posthumously on his social media, read: “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.”
Gerard was best known for his role on the 70s/80s sci-fi series Buck Rogers In The 25th Century. He appeared as the title character Buck Rogers in all 32 episodes of the NBC series, which ran between 1979 and 1981.
Prior to this, he was known to audiences, particularly in the US, for his role as Dr Alan Stewart in the daytime soap The Doctors. He appeared on the show for a total of 303 episodes, which aired between 1973 and 1976.
Gerard also appeared in productions on the big screen, including the 1977 flick Hooch, as well as Airport ‘77. In more recent years, he appeared alongside Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in the 2016 crime-comedy caper The Nice Guys.
Tributes have poured in for the star. One heartbroken fan said: “R.I.P. Gil Gerard. Yet another part of my happiest childhood memories has left us. He'll always be Buck Rogers to me.”
Another fan added: “My childhood! Buck Rogers was one of the very first shows I watched growing up, along with the original Battlestar Galactica! Rest in peace Gil!”