Gil Gerard Biography: Buck Rogers Star, Life, Career, Wife, Net Worth and Death at 82
Gil Gerard, the charismatic American actor, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82. He was best known for his iconic role as the wisecracking astronaut Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the 1979 theatrical film and the NBC sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
The show ran for two seasons from 1979 to 1981 and captured audiences with its campy adventure, humor, and post-Star Wars sci-fi excitement. Gerard brought charm, wit, and a playful energy to the role, making Buck Rogers a memorable character in pop culture history.
Gerard is survived by his wife of 18 years, Janet, and his son Gib from his previous marriage to actress Connie Sellecca. In a posthumous message, he celebrated his “amazing journey” and encouraged fans to follow their passions and embrace what excites them in life.
He concluded his heartfelt note with a signature line reflecting his lifelong connection to the cosmos: “See you out somewhere in the cosmos.” Gerard’s legacy lives on through his memorable performances and the inspiration he provided to generations of fans.
Who is Gil Gerard?
Gil Gerard was an American actor best known for playing Captain William “Buck” Rogers in the sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. He was born on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was the youngest of three sons.
His mother was a college instructor, and his father worked as a salesman. Gerard showed early interest in acting and performed in school theater productions. He attended the University of Central Arkansas but left before graduating.
Active from the 1970s to 2019, he built a long television career and remained closely associated with the Buck Rogers role until his death on December 16, 2025, at age 82.
Quick Personal Facts
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|
| Full Name | Gilbert Cyril Gerard (commonly known as Gil Gerard) |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Little Rock, Arkansas, USA |
| Date of Death | December 16, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 82 |
| Cause of Death | Rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer (brief battle; diagnosed just days prior) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Parents | Father: Salesman; Mother: College instructor |
| Education | Attended University of Central Arkansas (did not graduate); later studied drama in New York |
| Marital History | Married five times: • First wife (1960s; secretary in Arkansas, ~8 months) • Second wife (bank executive; ~7 years, on and off) • Connie Sellecca (1979–1987) • Bobi Leonard (1987–1989) • Janet Gerard (married ~2007; together 18 years until his death) |
| Children | One son: Gilbert Vincent “Gib” Gerard (born 1981, with Connie Sellecca; actor and producer) |
| Residence at Time of Death | North Georgia, USA |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Approximately $1 million |
| Notable Health Issues | Long-term struggles with weight (peaked over 350 lbs); underwent mini-gastric bypass surgery in 2005 (lost ~145 lbs); past addictions to cocaine, alcohol, and overeating |
| Hobbies & Personal Interests | Frequent sci-fi convention guest; known for kindness and humility with fans; left a posthumous message encouraging people to pursue joy and love |
| Famous Role | Captain William “Buck” Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979 film and 1979–1981 TV series) |
Career: Gil Gerard Movies and TV Shows
Gil Gerard enjoyed a long and varied career in television and film, but he remains forever iconic as the charming, quick-witted Captain William “Buck” Rogers. With his confident smile and effortless humor, Gerard became one of the defining faces of late-1970s and early-1980s science fiction, leaving a legacy that still resonates with fans today.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979 theatrical film, then 1979–1981 NBC series, 2 seasons, 37 episodes total including pilot).
Notable TV Shows
- The Doctors (daytime soap, recurring as Dr. Alan Stewart, 1970s)
- Little House on the Prairie (guest, 1977 episode “The Handyman”)
- Sidekicks (1986–1987 ABC series, starring as Sgt. Jake Rizzo)
- E.A.R.T.H. Force (short-lived 1990 series)
- Nightingales (1989)
- Guest spots on Hawaii Five-O, Baretta, CHiPs, Days of Our Lives, Drop Dead Diva (2014), and more.
Key Movies and TV Movies
- Hooch (1977, also co-wrote and produced)
- Airport ’77 (1977)
- Ransom for Alice! (1977 TV movie)
- Killing Stone (1978 TV movie)
- Not Just Another Affair (1982 TV movie)
- Hear No Evil (1982 TV movie)
- Stormin’ Home (1985 TV movie)
- Nuclear Hurricane (2007 TV movie, reunited with Erin Gray)
- Bone Eater (2007)
- Reptisaurus (2009)
- The Lost Valentine (2011 TV movie)
- Blood Fare (2012)
- The Nice Guys (2016)
- Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel (2016)
Later and Voice Work
He also did voice acting (e.g., Megatronus in Transformers: Robots in Disguise, 2015) and appeared in fan projects like Buck Rogers Begins (2009 internet pilot, playing Buck’s father).
He stayed active at sci-fi conventions until recently and will always be remembered for bringing that fun, heroic energy to ’80s sci-fi!
Gil Gerard Marriage, Wife, Children
Gil Gerard was married five times over the course of his life, with his later years marked by stability and contentment.
His first marriage, in the 1960s, was to a secretary from Arkansas and lasted only about eight months. After moving to New York, he entered a second marriage with a bank executive; the relationship was on and off and endured for roughly seven years before ending.
In 1979, Gerard married actress and model Connie Sellecca, best known for Hotel and The Greatest American Hero. Their high-profile marriage produced his only child, a son, but ended bitterly in 1987 amid Gerard’s struggles with addiction and a difficult custody battle, in which Sellecca was awarded primary custody. That same year, he married interior designer Bobi Leonard, though the union was short-lived and ended in divorce in 1989.
Gerard found lasting happiness in his fifth marriage to Janet Gerard (née Hand), whom he wed around 2007. He often referred to her as his “soulmate” and praised her as his “amazing wife of 18 years” in his posthumous message. The couple lived a quiet life in northern Georgia and had no children together. Janet, an owner and designer at Rayguns & Rust, remained by his side during his brief and aggressive cancer battle and shared moving tributes following his death on December 16, 2025.
Gil Gerard’s Net Worth
Gil Gerard’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at around $1 million. While some sources speculated higher amounts—ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million by factoring in residuals, convention appearances, and possible investments—the $1 million estimate remained the most widely referenced baseline.
