Gil Gerard, star of Buck Rogers, dies at 82 — leaves heartfelt message for fans

Gil Gerard, best known as the heroic Buck Rogers, has died at the age of 82. Before his passing, he wrote a moving farewell message that his wife shared with fans after his death.

Gil Gerard, the face of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, passed away on December 16, 2025. His wife, Janet Gerard, confirmed the news on Facebook, revealing that he had been fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The illness moved swiftly — from diagnosis to death — in just a matter of days.

“Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight,” Janet wrote. “No matter how many years I got to spend with him, it would never have been enough.”

Fans around the world mourned the loss of a man who brought strength, humor, and humanity to one of television’s most iconic sci-fi roles.

Originally a character from a 1929 comic strip, Buck Rogers was already a sci-fi legend before Gerard took on the role. But it was Gerard’s charm and presence that helped turn the 1979 movie and the NBC series that followed into cult classics.

Despite initial hesitation — Gerard once said he feared the role would be too “campy” like Batman — he ultimately embraced it. The movie adaptation of Buck Rogers was a box office hit, landing in the top 25 grossing films in the U.S. that year. The TV series ran for 32 episodes between 1979 and 1981, forever cementing Gerard’s place in sci-fi history.

After Buck Rogers, Gerard stayed active in film and television. He appeared in shows like Sidekicks, E.A.R.T.H. Force, and Days of Our Lives, along with TV movies like Help Wanted: Male. More recently, he featured in indie films such as Space Captain and Callista and The Nice Guys.

But Gerard’s legacy wasn’t just about roles. It was about connection — with fans, co-stars, and loved ones. He was especially admired for being down-to-earth and for embracing his iconic role long after the cameras stopped rolling.

In one of the most emotional moments following his death, Gerard’s wife shared a final message he had written in advance. It read like a cosmic love letter to life and those he cherished:

“If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to. 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.”

He concluded with advice for us all:

“Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.”

Social media was flooded with tributes to Gerard. Many remembered him as their childhood hero. Others shared how Buck Rogers inspired their love for science fiction. Co-stars, including Erin Gray who played Colonel Wilma Deering, expressed sorrow and admiration, calling him “a kind soul and a true friend.”

Gil is survived by his wife Janet and his son Gib Gerard, who has also worked in television.

Rest in peace, Captain Rogers. The cosmos is lucky to have you.

Share your favorite memories of Gil Gerard in the comments below — and keep his star shining.