Gil Gerard, the charismatic star who became a childhood hero as Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, passed away at 82 following a sudden and aggressive battle with a rare form of cancer. Known for his wit and “fish-out-of-water” heroism, Gerard’s legacy spans from daytime soaps to iconic sci-fi television, leaving an indelible mark on the “latchkey generation” of the late 70s. His wife, Janet Gerard, confirmed he died early Tuesday, just days after learning of his illness.