Gil Gerard, the actor best known for starring as the title character in NBC’s science fiction series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at age 82. The television star passed away in hospice after a battle with what his wife described as a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
His wife, Janet Gerard, announced the actor’s death on social media, revealing that the illness progressed with devastating speed. From the time doctors identified something was wrong to Gerard’s death took only days, she said. Janet, who was married to Gerard for 18 years, was at his side when he died at their home in North Georgia.
“Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” Janet wrote in her announcement. “No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have never been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.”
Following the announcement, Janet shared a posthumous message that Gerard had written and asked her to post after his death. The message reflected on his life journey and offered wisdom to fans and loved ones about how to live meaningfully.
“My life has been an amazing journey. The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the love I have given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying,” the message read. He concluded with advice that resonated with readers: “Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gerard was born on Jan. 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His path to stardom took him from his Arkansas roots to New York and Los Angeles before he ultimately settled in North Georgia with Janet.
The actor achieved widespread recognition when he was cast as Captain William “Buck” Rogers in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.” The show aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981, running for two seasons. It began as a theatrical film in 1979 before transitioning to television, with the movie serving as the series pilot.
The science fiction series was produced by Glen A Larson and featured Gerard as the heroic space captain navigating adventures in a futuristic world. He was joined by co-star Erin Gray, who played Col. Wilma Deering. The show also featured the memorable robot character Twiki, whose voice was provided by animation legend Mel Blanc.
“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” became a defining program of its era, capturing audiences during the late 1970s and early 1980s when science fiction television was experiencing a surge in popularity. The series blended action, adventure, and humor, creating an accessible entry point for viewers beyond dedicated science fiction enthusiasts.
Before his breakthrough role as Buck Rogers, Gerard had already established himself in television. He appeared in over 300 episodes of NBC’s soap opera “The Doctors,” where he played Dr. Alan Stewart. This extensive run demonstrated his ability to maintain a consistent presence in the television industry.
Gerard continued working steadily after “Buck Rogers” concluded. His career included diverse roles across both television and film. He appeared in the 2016 action-comedy “The Nice Guys,” starring opposite Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, playing the character Bergen Paulsen. The film showcased his ability to remain active in Hollywood decades after his most famous role.
Throughout his life, Gerard was open about personal challenges, particularly regarding his weight. At his heaviest, he weighed 350 pounds. In 2007, he appeared in a Discovery Health Channel documentary titled “Action Hero Makeover,” which chronicled his decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Gerard estimated that his weight struggles had cost him approximately one million dollars in lost work opportunities over the years.
Gerard was married four times during his life. His most prominent marriage was to actress Connie Sellecca, to whom he was married from 1979 to 1987. The couple had a son together named Gib Gerard. At the time of his death, he had been married to Janet Gerard for 18 years.
The actor also maintained a longstanding friendship with former President Bill Clinton, a connection that spanned many years.
Gerard’s career spanned multiple decades and included roles in various television series and films. He had a six-episode appearance on “Days of Our Lives” in 1997, demonstrating his continued relevance in the industry even years after “Buck Rogers” had ended.
The posthumous message Gerard left behind has struck a chord with fans and the broader public. His reflection on living a meaningful life and his advice to focus only on what brings joy and love has been widely shared and discussed across social media platforms.
Gerard’s journey through Hollywood encompassed both triumph and struggle. From soap operas to science fiction stardom, from weight challenges to career longevity, his life represented the complexity of a working actor navigating the entertainment industry across changing decades.
His death marks the loss of a figure who helped define science fiction television during a pivotal era. The character of Buck Rogers, with Gerard’s charismatic portrayal, introduced countless viewers to the possibilities of science fiction storytelling on the small screen.