How did Gil Gerard Die? What to know about the ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’ star’s life, career and final message
Gil Gerard, the face of Buck Rogers, dies at 82. Image Credit: Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
Gil Gerard, the American actor best known for starring in the cult-classic science fiction series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82. Gerard passed away Tuesday following a short but aggressive battle with cancer, according to a statement shared by his wife, Janet, bringing an end to a career that helped define television sci-fi at the dawn of the modern era.
Gerard’s death was confirmed in a deeply personal Facebook post from Janet, who described him as her “soulmate” and revealed that his illness progressed rapidly over just a few days. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans of classic television, particularly those who grew up watching Buck Rogers during its late-1970s and early-1980s run.
A Sci-Fi Icon of Television’s Golden Age
Gil Gerard rose to international fame in 1979 when he was cast as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, the lead character in NBC’s Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. The series followed a 20th-century astronaut who is frozen in space for 504 years and awakens in the year 2491, navigating a futuristic society filled with advanced technology, political intrigue and interstellar threats.
Before becoming a weekly television series, Buck Rogers debuted as a made-for-TV movie that was released theatrically and grossed an impressive $21 million in 1979. Its success prompted Universal Television and NBC to quickly expand the project into a full series, which ran for two seasons from 1979 to 1981.
Gerard’s portrayal of Buck Rogers made him a household name and cemented his place in sci-fi history, standing alongside other genre icons of the era.
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Gil Gerard’s Final Words to Fans
In a statement Gerard prepared before his death and asked his wife to share publicly, the actor reflected on his life with gratitude and optimism.
“My life has been an amazing journey,” Gerard wrote. “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.”
He traced his personal and professional journey from Arkansas to New York, Los Angeles and finally North Georgia, where he spent his later years with Janet, his wife of 18 years. The message ended with a fittingly cosmic farewell: “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Career Beyond Buck Rogers
While Buck Rogers in the 25th Century defined his career, Gerard’s body of work extended far beyond the iconic role. He appeared in numerous television series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Sidekicks, Nightingales, E.A.R.T.H. Force and Days of Our Lives.
In film, Gerard took on both leading and supporting roles, with later credits including The Nice Guys, Space Captain and Callista and Blood Fare. Before his breakout success, he worked steadily in commercials and guest roles on popular 1970s television shows.
Born in 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard built his career gradually, earning recognition as a dependable performer before landing the role that would define his legacy.
Cause of Death and Family Confirmation
According to Janet’s statement, Gerard died after battling a “rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer.” No additional medical details were disclosed, but she emphasized how sudden the progression was, describing the time between diagnosis and death as only days.
The family has not announced funeral arrangements publicly.
A Lasting Legacy in Sci-Fi Culture
Decades after it first aired, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century remains a touchstone of classic science fiction television. Gerard’s confident, charismatic performance helped bridge old pulp sci-fi storytelling with a new television generation, influencing later space-based series and genre heroes.
As fans revisit his work and share tributes online, Gil Gerard is being remembered not only as Buck Rogers, but as a performer whose career brought adventure, optimism and imagination to screens around the world.
FAQ
Who was Gil Gerard?
Gil Gerard was an American actor best known for playing Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the NBC sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century from 1979 to 1981.
How did Gil Gerard die?
Gil Gerard died after a brief battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, according to his wife, Janet.
How old was Gil Gerard when he died?
He was 82 years old at the time of his death.
When did Gil Gerard die?
Gil Gerard died on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Was Gil Gerard married?
Yes. Gil Gerard was married to his wife Janet for 18 years at the time of his death.
What was Gil Gerard’s most famous role?
His most famous role was Buck Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, a cult-classic sci-fi television series.
Did Buck Rogers start as a movie?
Yes. Buck Rogers debuted as a made-for-TV movie that grossed $21 million theatrically before becoming a weekly TV series.
What other TV shows did Gil Gerard appear in?
He appeared in Sidekicks, Nightingales, E.A.R.T.H. Force and Days of Our Lives, among others.
What films did Gil Gerard act in?
His film credits include The Nice Guys, Space Captain and Callista and Blood Fare.
What did Gil Gerard say in his final message?
Gerard reflected on his life as “deeply satisfying” and encouraged people not to waste time on anything that doesn’t bring love or joy, ending with, “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”