Gerard’s career spanned decades, encompassing film, television, and stage, but he will always be remembered most vividly as the dashing, heroic Buck Rogers.
His journey from the southern United States to international stardom would take him across the country and into the hearts of millions of fans who followed him through the adventurous and futuristic worlds of Buck Rogers.
A Star is Born in Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas, may not seem like the birthplace of a science fiction legend, but it was here that Gil’s formative years shaped his resilience, work ethic, and charm.
Born into a post-World War II America, young Gil witnessed the rapid cultural shifts of the 1950s and 1960s.
He cultivated an early interest in acting, drama, and storytelling, laying the groundwork for the career that would eventually make him a household name.
Gerard pursued his ambitions in the arts with vigor. He moved to New York to study and hone his craft, eventually making the leap to Los Angeles, the hub of television and film production.
Along the way, he faced the struggles common to aspiring actors: small roles, odd jobs, auditions that ended in rejection, and the ever-present uncertainty of an acting career.
The Role That Changed Everything: Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Gerard’s defining moment came in the late 1970s with the revival of Buck Rogers, a character originally popularized in a 1939 movie serial featuring Olympic swimmer Buster Crabbe.
The story of Buck Rogers, a man propelled into the 25th century, had captivated audiences for decades in comics, radio, and early cinema.
In 1979, after the unprecedented success of Star Wars, NBC and Universal Pictures decided to bring the hero to a new generation with a feature-length film, followed by a television series. Continue reading…
