The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of American actor Gil Gerard, best known for bringing the iconic space adventurer Buck Rogers to life on television in the late 1970s. He was 82 years old.
A Sudden and Aggressive Illness
Gerard passed away at his home in Georgia on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. His wife shared the heartbreaking news in a personal Facebook post, revealing the actor had been battling a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer. She described the speed of his decline as shocking, noting that from the first signs of illness to his passing was a matter of only a few days.
"Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight," she wrote. The emotional tribute continued, "No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have ever been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely."
Defining a Sci-Fi Generation
For a generation of British viewers, Gil Gerard was Buck Rogers. He starred in the titular role for two seasons of 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century' from 1979 to 1981. The series, a campy and colourful space opera, became a cult classic and cemented Gerard's place in sci-fi history alongside his co-star Erin Gray, who played Colonel Wilma Deering.
While the role defined his career, Gerard also appeared in numerous other television shows and films throughout the 1970s and 80s, including parts in 'Police Woman', 'The Love Boat', and 'Murder, She Wrote'.
A Legacy Among the Stars
The news has prompted an outpouring of grief and tribute from fans and colleagues across the globe. Gerard's portrayal of the 20th-century astronaut thrust into the future captured the optimistic spirit of its era and inspired many with its sense of adventure.
His passing marks the end of an era for a specific, beloved chapter of television science fiction. Gerard is survived by his wife, and his legacy will live on through the enduring popularity of Buck Rogers, which continues to find new audiences through reruns and streaming services.
