In Memoriam
‘Buck Rogers’ Star Gil Gerard Leaves Poignant Final Message for Fans Before His Death
Buck Rogers actor Gil Gerard has died aged 82, his widow has confirmed.
Janet Gerard took to Facebook Facebook on Tuesday, December 16, to pay tribute to her late husband following his passing.
“Early this morning Gil — my soulmate — lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” she wrote. 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,” she added. “Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.”
Janet also posted a message penned by Gil —who was best known for portraying Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the 1970s and 1980s television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century — to be shared upon his passing.
It read: “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. 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,” he concluded the message,
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century ran for two series from 1979 until it was axed in 1981, but the actor wasn’t initially keen on the part.
Speaking in 2018 on YouTube show GenXGrownUp, he said: “I saw what it did to Adam West‘s career with Batman, and this was another cartoon character. I didn’t want to do this campy stuff.”
Gil also appeared in soap opera The Doctors, playing Dr. Alan Stewart in 162 episodes of the show, as well as TV series Little House on the Prairie and Hawaii Five-O. He also had roles in movies Hooch and Airport ’77.
Accoring to The Hollywood Reporter he was married four times, including once to actress Connie Sellecca from 1979 until their divorce in 1987. In addition to Janet, his wife of 18 years, he is survived by his son with Sellecca, Gib, born in 1981.
