Gil Gerard, Buck Rogers Star, Passes Away at 82

Gil Gerard, who played the iconic role of William Buck Rogers in the sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has passed away at the age of 82. According to his manager, Tina Presley Borek, Gerard died on Tuesday in hospice due to a rare, aggressive form of cancer.

His wife, Janet Gerard, shared a posthumous message from him on Facebook, urging fans not to waste time on anything that does not thrill them or bring love, and ended with, 'See you out somewhere in the cosmos.' Gerard starred in NBC's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, which aired for two seasons from 1979 to 1981, following a theatrical film based on the series.

The original character was inspired by Philip Francis Nowlan's 1928 novella Armageddon 2419 A.D. The storyline follows a 20th-century NASA pilot who awakens in the year 2491 after being placed in frozen animation.

During his career, Gerard appeared in various TV shows and movies, including the 1982 TV movie Hear No Evil and the 1992 reality series Code 3. He openly discussed his struggles with addiction and weight, featuring in the documentary Action Hero Makeover in 2007.

Gerard was married and divorced four times, and had a son, actor Gilbert Vincent Gerard, with model Connie Sellecca. In his farewell message, he reflected on his life journey from Arkansas to his home in North Georgia with his wife Janet, stating, 'It's been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has.'