Gil Gerard

Gilbert C. Gerard (January 23, 1943 – December 16, 2025) was a prominent American actor celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the beloved television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, which aired from 1979 to 1981.

Before diving into the world of acting, Gerard worked as an industrial chemist and quickly ascended to the role of regional manager at a chemical company. Faced with the prospect of furthering his education to secure a vice-presidential position, he chose to resign instead, opting to pursue his true passion for drama. He moved to New York City, where he studied acting during the day while working as a taxi driver at night. This led to his first break as an extra on the set of Love Story, although his role was ultimately cut from the final film.

In the ensuing years, Gerard appeared in over 400 commercials, becoming a recognizable face, particularly as a spokesperson for Ford. His career gained momentum with roles in the soap opera The Doctors and the TV movie Killing Stone. His most significant role came with Buck Rogers, which included a feature-length pilot released before the series premiere.

In addition to his work on Buck Rogers, Gerard starred in various projects, including the 1982 TV movie Hear No Evil and the series Sidekicks. Throughout the 1990s, he made guest appearances on numerous television shows. Gerard also documented his inspiring weight loss journey in the 2007 Discovery Health documentary Action Hero Makeover, shedding 145 pounds after undergoing gastric bypass surgery.

Later in his career, he reunited with his Buck Rogers co-star Erin Gray for the film Nuclear Hurricane and voiced a character in Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Notably, he guest-starred in the fan series Star Trek: Phase II, showcasing his enduring appeal in the science fiction genre.