Gil Gerard, best known for his role as the out-of-time hero in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has passed away.

Gerard began his career in New York City, studying drama during the day and driving a taxi at night to make ends meet. He finally got a fare who got him a gig as an extra in the Arthur Hiller film Love Story.

He began working in commercials, appearing in hundreds by his own estimation. By 1973, he landed a recurring role on the soap opera The Doctors and spent three years playing Dr. Alan Stewart.

In 1977, he appeared in the box office hit Airport '77 as Lee Grant's lover. The same year, he guest-starred in an episode of Hawaii Five-0 as a recovering alcoholic cop.

A guest appearance on Little House on the Prairie caught the eye of star and producer Michael Landon, who put him in the TV movie, Killing Stone. The project was intended as a pilot for a series, but was not picked up by the network.

In 1978, he got the role that many still remember him for: William "Buck" Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Gerard was hesitant at first, noting how Adam West had been typecast after playing a similar comic hero on Batman, but finally agreed to the part. 

The series only lasted for two seasons, but the cultural impact it left was far greater than the time it endured. After all, where do you think the Looney Tunes shorts and later series "Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century" drew inspiration from?

Following Buck Rogers, Gerard helmed two more short-lived series, Sidekicks (1986) and E.A.R.T.H. Force (1990).

In 2007, Gerard was the subject of a one-hour documentary on the Discovery Channel called Action Hero Makeover, which followed his journey after getting gastric bypass surgery, his struggles with compulsive eating, and other health issues.

His wife announced his passing after a rare form of cancer on December 16, 2025. The actor was 82 years old.