Gil Gerard useless at 82: Buck Rogers In The twenty fifth Century star passes away as explanation for loss of life is revealed

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century leading man Gil Gerard died at 82 on Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer, his wife Janet said. 

‘Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,’ Janet said. 

She continued, ‘From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days.’ 

Janet added: ‘No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have ever been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.’

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, according to a synopsis, saw ‘the 20th century astronaut [emerge] out of 500 years of suspended animation into the 25th century to become Earth’s greatest hero and to explore the unknown reaches of deep space.’

The Arkansas-born actor appeared in all 32 episodes of the series, which ran two seasons from 1979–1981, and was broadcast on NBC. 

Actor Gil Gerard died on Tuesday following a battle with cancer, his wife Janet said. He was 82.

Gil Gerard and Juanin Clay pictured on the set of the NBC sci-fi series Buck Rogers In The 25th Century

It was intended to piggyback off the popularity of Star Wars, integrating more comedic elements.

The show also featured Erin Gray, Felix Silla, Tim O’Connor, Eric Server and legendary voiceover artist Mel Blanc. 

An up-and-coming Jamie Lee Curtis appeared on two episodes in the show’s first season. 

Buck Rogers initially started as a TV movie which wound up in theaters, and drew decent box office revenues. 

The motion picture was later repurposed as the pilot of the series.

Following the end of Buck Rogers, Gerard was a regular player on TV shows and made-for-TV movies.

In the 1980s, Gerard appeared in TV films including Not Just Another Affair, Hear No Evil, Johnny Blue, For Love or Money, Stormin’ Home.

His next starring role in a series came on the show Sidekicks, which ran one season from 1986–1987 and co-starred Ernie Reyes Jr., and Nancy Stafford.