LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Actor Gil Gerard, who became a 1980s sci-fi icon as the star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has passed away. He was 82.
Passing Confirmed by Family
His death on Monday, December 16, was confirmed by his wife, Janet. He passed away following a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
A Defining Sci-Fi Role
Gerard’s portrayal of the time-displaced astronaut Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the hit NBC television series (1979-1981) cemented his status as a pop culture legend. The role made him a favorite of fans worldwide and defined a generation of space adventure television.
A Link to Disney Legacy
Beyond his sci-fi fame, Gerard also holds a place in Disney television history. In the mid-1980s, he starred as Sergeant Jake Rizzo in the Walt Disney Television-produced ABC series Sidekicks, a martial-arts adventure show that gave him a lasting connection to a younger generation of viewers.
His work spanned genres, bringing joy from futuristic space adventures to family TV nights. Gerard is survived by his wife, Janet, and leaves behind a legacy of iconic characters that will continue to entertain fans for generations to come.