The world of science fiction is mourning the loss of a legend. Actor Gil Gerard has passed away at the age of 82 following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of cancer. The news was shared by his wife, Janet, in a heartfelt post on Facebook.
While Gerard enjoyed a diverse acting career, he is most fondly remembered for leading humanity into the future. His most iconic role was playing the title character in the hit series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, a show that defined “futuristic fun” for a generation of fans.
Beyond his adventures in space, Gerard was a versatile talent who appeared in several notable projects:
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Airport ’77: He portrayed Frank Powers in the high-stakes disaster film.
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Hooch: He showcased his comedic timing as Eddie Joe in the moonshine-running comedy.
I had the personal pleasure of meeting Gil Gerard at Planet Comicon Kansas City back in the early 2000s. He was incredibly gracious and struck me as a genuinely kind person who truly appreciated his fans.
Rest in peace, Gil. You navigated the 25th century with style, and you will be deeply missed here in the 21st.
