LOS ANGELES — The world of science fiction is mourning the loss of a pioneer. Gil Gerard, the actor who brought a unique blend of 20th-century swagger and futuristic heroism to the screen as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, died early Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was 82.
His wife, Janet Gerard, shared the tragic news in a heartbreaking social media post, revealing that the actor succumbed to a “rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer” just days after his diagnosis. “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days,” she wrote, describing him as her “soulmate.”
The “Buck Rogers” Phenomenon: A Hero for a Generation
In 1979, Gerard stepped into the cockpit of a NASA space shuttle that would freeze him in time for 500 years, waking him up in the 25th century. Originally a theatrical film, “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” quickly transitioned into an NBC television series that became a staple of pop culture.
- The Latchkey Hero: For children of the late ’70s and early ’80s—often referred to as “latchkey kids”—Gerard’s portrayal of Buck Rogers offered a sense of hope and adventure. He played the character not as a stiff soldier, but as a relatable, witty man navigating a high-tech world with old-school charm.
- Chemistry & Partnership: His onscreen dynamics with Erin Gray (Colonel Wilma Deering) and the beloved robot sidekick Twiki (voiced by Mel Blanc) created a formula that balanced space combat with lighthearted camaraderie.
Career Beyond the Stars
While Buck Rogers was his defining role, Gerard’s career was marked by versatility and a commanding presence:
- Daytime Roots: He first captured hearts as Dr. Alan Stewart on the soap opera The Doctors (1973–1976), where he honed the leading-man charisma that would later serve him in space.
- Versatility in TV: He starred in the action-drama Sidekicks and the medical series Nightingales, proving he could excel in any genre.
- Advocacy & Health: In 2005, Gerard became an advocate for health awareness after undergoing a life-saving weight loss surgery, documenting his journey to inspire others facing similar metabolic challenges.
