Gil Gerard, legendary TV star of ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’, dies at 82

Gil Gerard, the charming star of the early-1980s TV hit Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has passed away.

Per Deadline's report, the star died this morning at the age of 82, following a battle with cancer with his wife Janet Gerard by his side, who also shared the news on social media.

Janet posted a message, which Gil had written to be shared upon his passing, on his personal Facebook page.

“My life has been an amazing journey. 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, don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos,” the message read.

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, produced by Glen A. Larson, aired on NBC for two seasons.

Riding the wave of Star Wars’ late-1970s popularity, the show combined adventure with campy humour, particularly through Twiki, the jive-talking robot voiced by Mel Blanc.

The show's protagonist was accompanied on his adventures by Col. Wilma Deering (Erin Gray) and Hawk (Thom Christopher), a mysterious alien with a feathered head.

The series originated from a made-for-TV movie, which was released theatrically and later served as the series’ pilot.

Gil Gerard continued working steadily after Buck Rogers, appearing in numerous other TV episodes and indie films.

He had starred in CBS’ E.A.R.T.H. Force (1990), had a six-episode arc on Days of Our Lives (1997) and more recently appeared in The Nice Guys alongside Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.