Gil Gerard, the charismatic actor who brought a dashing sense of adventure and humor to the stars, died Tuesday, Dec. 16th at the age of 82. Best known as the titular lead in the sci-fi cult classic Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Gerard became a definitive icon of 1970s and 80s television.
With his signature grin and effortless swagger, Gerard portrayed Captain William “Buck” Rogers, a 20th-century pilot propelled 500 years into a vibrant, neon-lit future. Beyond the spandex and laser fights, his natural charm helped the show bridge the gap between hard sci-fi and lighthearted action, earning him a permanent place in the hearts of genre fans worldwide.
Before his journey to the future, the Arkansas native honed his craft on daytime soaps and in film, but it was his role as the swashbuckling time-traveler that cemented his legacy as a pillar of nostalgic pop culture.
Here’s the obituary I did for Gil Gerard for Life Story.