Gil Gerard, best known for his lead role in the cult television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82 after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
He passed away in hospice care with his wife, Janet Gerard, by his side.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his wife, who also shared a farewell message written by Gerard to be released after his passing.
In it, he reflected on a life he described as fulfilling and adventurous, urging fans to pursue love and passion and signing off with a cosmic goodbye.
Gerard rose to international fame in the late 1970s as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, the charming hero of NBC’s sci-fi adventure series that blended space opera with humor.
The show, which followed a successful television film, ran for two seasons and became a staple of pop culture, remembered fondly for its campy tone and colorful characters.
Beyond Buck Rogers, Gerard enjoyed a long television career.
He appeared in more than 300 episodes of the daytime drama The Doctors, later starred in the CBS series E.A.R.T.H. Force, and made guest appearances on several popular shows.
In later years, he appeared in films including The Nice Guys, sharing the screen with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.
Tributes from fans have poured in, celebrating Gerard not only as a television icon but as an inspiration to a generation that grew up dreaming of heroes among the stars.