Gil Gerard, the American actor who became a science fiction icon through his portrayal of Captain William "Buck" Rogers, has died at the age of 82 following a swift battle with cancer.
The star passed away on Tuesday at his home in Georgia, his wife Janet confirmed in an emotional tribute posted to Facebook.
"Early this morning Gil – my soulmate – lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer," she wrote.
Janet revealed the devastating speed of his decline, explaining that only days had elapsed between discovering something was amiss and his death.
Gil Gerard became a science fiction icon through his portrayal of Captain William "Buck" Rogers
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"No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have ever been enough," she added. "Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely."
Mr Gerard had prepared a statement for his wife to share following his passing, offering a final message to those who had followed his career.
"My life has been an amazing journey," he wrote. "The opportunities I've had, the people I've met and the love I have given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying."
The actor reflected on a path that took him from his native Arkansas to New York and Los Angeles before ultimately settling in North Georgia with Janet, his wife of 18 years.
Gil Gerard had prepared a statement for his wife to share following his passing
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"It's been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has," he continued. "Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos."
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century aired on NBC across two seasons from 1979 to 1981, with Mr Gerard appearing in all 32 episodes as a NASA pilot who awakens five centuries in the future after being frozen in space.
The programme was developed to capitalise on the enormous popularity of Star Wars, blending science fiction adventure with comedic elements.
It began life as a television film that secured a theatrical release in 1979, taking $21 million at the box office before being reworked as the series pilot.
Gil Gerard
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The character of Buck Rogers originated in comic strips during the 1930s and had previously been adapted for cinema, most notably in a 1939 serial starring Olympic swimmer Buster Crabbe.
The cast included Erin Gray and featured voice work from the legendary Mel Blanc.
Despite the role becoming synonymous with his name, Gerard was initially hesitant to accept the part that would define his career.
"I saw what it did to Adam West's career with Batman, and this was another cartoon character," he explained in a 2018 interview. "I didn't want to do this campy stuff."
Gil Gerard
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His concerns centred on the risk of being forever associated with a single character, much as West had struggled to escape the shadow of the Caped Crusader.
However, Mr Gerard eventually came to appreciate what he brought to the role, noting in 2017 that he valued the character's grounded qualities.
"He wasn't a stiff kind of guy," he reflected. "He was a guy who could solve problems on his feet, and he wasn't a superhero."
Mr Gerard's path to stardom began with years of struggle in New York, where he drove taxis while pursuing his acting ambitions.
Gil Gerard
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A chance encounter with a passenger led to work as an extra on the 1970 film Love Story, opening doors to the industry.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas on 23 January 1943, he was the youngest of three sons to a knife salesman father and teacher mother.
Before his breakthrough, he spent three years on the NBC daytime soap The Doctors, portraying Dr Alan Stewart across 303 episodes from 1973 to 1976.
Following Buck Rogers, he continued working steadily in television, including the 1986-87 series Sidekicks and appearances on Days of Our Lives.
Mr Gerard is survived by his wife Janet and his son Gib, 44, from his marriage to actress Connie Sellecca.
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