Who played Captain Buck Rogers?

Captain Buck Rogers was famously played by actor Gil Gerard.

What was Gil Gerard's cause of death?

Gil Gerard died of a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

When did "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" first air?

"Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" began with a pilot movie in 1979.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sci-Fi Icon Gil Gerard Loses Cancer Battle

Sci-Fi Icon Gil Gerard Loses Cancer Battle

17 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Actor Gil Gerard, famous for Buck Rogers, passed away at 82.
His wife confirmed his death was due to a rare and aggressive cancer.
Gerard initially hesitated to play Buck Rogers due to its campy nature.

Sci-Fi Icon Gil Gerard Loses Cancer Battle

Actor Gil Gerard, celebrated for his role as Captain William "Buck" Rogers, has passed away at the age of 82. His wife, Janet Gerard, shared the heartbreaking news, stating that he lost his battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. The couple had only recently learned of his diagnosis.

Gerard became a household name for his portrayal of the iconic space-faring hero in the 1979 film and subsequent television series, "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." Interestingly, he was initially reluctant to accept the role, fearing it would be too similar to other superhero portrayals he deemed "campy."

Before his interstellar fame, Gerard honed his acting skills in New York, studying under Philip Burton and appearing in commercials and daytime soap operas like "Another World" and "The Doctors." His final message, shared by his wife, reflected a life well-lived, encouraging others to pursue love and passion.