Little Rock, Arkansas — Gil Gerard, the iconic actor best known for his role as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82. His wife, Janet Gerard, announced the news on social media, stating he had succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of cancer after a brief battle.

In her heartfelt message, Janet shared their final moments together, saying that the reality of his illness became evident mere days before his passing. She emphasized how precious their time together was and urged others to cherish their loved ones.

Gerard’s family reported that he spent his last days in hospice care, surrounded by loved ones. Just before his death, Gerard reflected on his life, expressing gratitude for his experiences and relationships. “It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close,” he wrote, encouraging others to embrace life and pursue what brings them joy.

Best known for the television adaptation of “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” Gerard’s portrayal of the charismatic space hero began with a 1979 film that set the stage for the subsequent TV series. The show premiered later that year and introduced audiences to a futuristic world where the title character navigates challenges after being frozen in time since 1987.

The series, also starring Erin Gray and Felix Silla, garnered a loyal following, despite running for only two seasons before its cancellation in 1981. Reflecting on his initial reluctance to take on the role, Gerard once recalled turning it down multiple times. However, his excitement grew after reading the script and discovering the character’s depth and humor.

Born on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Gerard was the youngest of three sons in a family where his father worked as a knife salesman and his mother was a teacher. After moving to New York City in the late 1960s to pursue acting, he trained under the influential Philip Burton, who also mentored Richard Burton.

Gerard’s career began with small roles in film and television, gaining early recognition for his work on the soap opera “The Doctors.” He later appeared in notable films like “Airport ’77” and made guest appearances on various television shows throughout his career, including “Days of Our Lives.”

One of his later projects was a role in the 2016 film “The Nice Guys,” featuring Hollywood heavyweights like Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. In addition to his wife Janet, Gerard is survived by his son, Gib, from his previous marriage to actress Connie Sellecca.

As fans and friends remember him for his legendary role and impactful career, Gil Gerard’s legacy in the entertainment industry will undoubtedly endure.