Buck Rogers icon Gil Gerard leaves inspirational posthumous message as actor dies aged 82 – and leaves fans emotionally praising “legend”

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Gil Gerard, the actor famous for starring as Buck Rogers in the 1980s television series, has passed away at the age of 82.

The actor passed away after a battle with a rare and aggressive cancer, according to his wife, Janet, who shared the news on Facebook.

She shared that it was only a few days between realizing something was wrong and his passing this morning. She expressed that even a lifetime wouldn’t have been long enough to spend with him, and urged others to cherish and love their loved ones deeply.

Janet later shared a final message from the actor, confirming he had requested she post it after his death.

Looking back on my 82 years, I feel incredibly grateful for the wonderful life I’ve lived. The experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve known, and the love I’ve shared have brought me immense happiness and fulfillment.

I’ve lived in many places – from Arkansas and New York to Los Angeles – but I’ve finally settled down in North Georgia with my wonderful wife, Janet, after 18 years together. It’s been a fantastic life, but everything eventually comes to an end, and now that time has come for me.

Focus on the things you genuinely enjoy and that fill your heart with happiness. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

Fans have been sharing an outpouring of tributes online. One commenter wrote that Gil was more than just a star – he represented the best qualities of a man and was a huge inspiration. They fondly remembered his good looks, confidence, strength, kindness, and even his dancing, saying he was a true hero for those growing up in the 70s and 80s. They ended with a message of rest in peace.

One fan shared their grief, saying Gil Gerard wasn’t just a childhood hero, but touched the lives of millions and made Buck Rogers a global phenomenon. They expressed gratitude for the fantastic future he created, while also instilling timeless values and a sense of heroism. They finished by saying Buck’s legacy will continue to inspire.

Gil Gerard became well-known for playing the cheerful hero Buck Rogers in the TV series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. The show aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981 and brought the classic character to a new audience.

The show began as a 1979 TV movie, adapted from a comic strip character created by Philip Francis Nowlan in 1928. That movie then became the first episode of the series.

I always loved Gerard Gil-Vernet after seeing him as Hegan in Buck Rogers, and it was amazing to see his career take off! He kept working steadily, appearing in a bunch of really good TV movies over the years – things like ‘Not Just Another Affair,’ ‘Johnny Blue,’ ‘For Love or Money,’ and ‘Stormin’ Home.’ He really had a long and successful run!

He was also a guest star on many well-known TV shows, such as Sidekicks, Nightingales, Earth Force, Days of Our Lives, CHiPs, Little House on the Prairie, and Hawaii Five-O.

Before becoming famous as Buck Rogers, Gil Gerard appeared in the movies Airport ’77 and Hooch in 1977. He also had a significant role on the television show The Doctors, playing Dr. Alan Stewart in 303 episodes over three years, from 1973 to 1976.

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Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss writes about the newest trends in television, movies, and other media for TopMob. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and has contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.

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2025-12-17 15:44