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Erin Gray: Buck Rogers role inspired military careers
6 Sep
Summary
- Erin Gray felt her 80s roles often objectified women.
- Her portrayal of Colonel Wilma Deering inspired military careers.
- Gray desired more profound acting opportunities beyond romance.
Actress Erin Gray, who portrayed Colonel Wilma Deering in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has spoken about the limitations she faced as a female actor in the 1980s. Gray, 76, noted that roles for women were scarce and often relegated them to decorative, supporting characters for male leads.
She recalled Wilma as a strong military officer who stood by Buck Rogers, but the series predominantly focused on its male protagonist. Gray expressed a desire for more substantive roles, citing her lead in the 1982 drama Born Beautiful as an example of material she could 'sink her teeth into.'
Despite not always getting the depth she sought, Wilma Deering's character had an unforeseen impact. Gray shared that women, including a high-ranking Marine Corps officer, told her they were inspired by her portrayal to join the military. This revelation about her character's influence was 'mind-boggling' to Gray.
