Post by : Maya Rahman

Gil Gerard, renowned for portraying the sci-fi character William “Buck” Rogers, has passed away at 82. His representative confirmed that he died on Tuesday while under hospice care, after fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Following his passing, his wife, Janet Gerard, shared a heartfelt message he penned for his fans, urging them to savor life and pursue what brings love and joy.

Gerard gained fame through the television series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” which ran from 1979 to 1981. The show captured the public's imagination during the surge of science fiction popularity post-Star Wars, telling the tale of a NASA pilot from the 20th century who awakens in a sprawling futuristic era 500 years later. It featured endearing characters, including his robotic associate Twiki and space pilot Wilma Deering, played by Erin Gray.

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerard began his career in television commercials before transitioning to acting in various TV shows and films. His work includes notable projects such as “Hear No Evil,” “Sidekicks,” and he later hosted the reality series “Code 3,” which showcased firefighters across the nation. Additionally, he made guest appearances on popular series like “Days of Our Lives.”

In his later years, Gerard candidly addressed his battles with addiction and weight issues. His journey was chronicled in the 2007 documentary “Action Hero Makeover,” which showcased his health transformation after undergoing surgery. He was married four times, finally finding a lasting partnership with Janet, with whom he enjoyed 18 years. He is also survived by his son, actor Gilbert Vincent Gerard. In his final message, Gerard expressed gratitude for the people, love, and experiences that enriched his life.

#Global News #Entertainment News