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Gil Gerard, the actor celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Captain William "Buck" Rogers, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82. His wife, Janet Gerard, announced his death on social media, stating that he died following a brief but intense battle with a "rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer". He reportedly passed away while in hospice care in North Georgia. Key Career Highlights Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: Gerard became a sci-fi legend starring as the 20th-century astronaut who awakens 500 years in the future. The series ran on NBC from 1979 to 1981. The Doctors: Before his sci-fi fame, he played Dr. Alan Stewart in over 300 episodes of this daytime soap opera from 1973 to 1976. Other Notable Roles: He starred in films like Airport '77 and the mid-80s martial arts series Sidekicks. Final Message In a statement shared by his wife, Gerard left a final message for his fans: "My life has been an amazing journey... Don't waste your time on anything that doesn't thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos". He is survived by his wife, Janet, to whom he had been married for 18 years, and his son, Gib, from his previous marriage to actress Connie Sellecca.