Actor Gil Gerard, best known for starring in the 1979 sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has passed away. He was 82.
Gerard’s wife, Janet Gerard, announced his passing on social media.
“Early this morning Gil — my soulmate — lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” she shared. “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days. 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.”
Janet later shared that she was by his side when he passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, in hospice care. She posted a message from Gil that he asked her to share in the event of his death.
If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to,” he said. “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.”
His statement continued, “My journey has taken me from Arkansas to New York to Los Angeles, and finally, to my home in North Georgia with my amazing wife, Janet, of 18 years. It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has. Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”
Gil is best known for starring as Captain Buck Rogers in the 1979 television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Gil’s iconic character was a 20th century astronaut who wakes up after 500 years of suspended slumber to emerge as Earth’s greatest hero. The series ran for two seasons until 1981.
Born in 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Gil later moved to New York City in 1969 where he worked as a cab driver at night. According to The Hollywood Reporter, one patron arranged for Gil to audition for a role in Arthur Hiller’s movie Love Story, in which he appeared as an extra, sparking a decades-long career in television and film.
Gil went on to appear in Airport ’77, Hooch, Final Notice, and more. He also appeared in several series, including Days of our Lives, Little House on the Prairie, Drop Dead Diva and Transformers: Robots in Disguise.
His most recent projects include the 2016 comedy The Nice Guys, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, and Space Captain and Callista.
Gil is survived by his son, who he shares with his ex-wife and Hotel actress Connie Sellecca, who he was married to from 1979 to 1987.
He is also survived by Janet, his wife of 18 years.