Buck Rogers Actor Gil Gerard Dies at 82

Gil Gerard, the actor best known for portraying Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the 1970s science fiction series, died Tuesday at his home in North Georgia. He was 82 and had been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer for only days.

His wife, Janet Gerard, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing, "Early this morning Gil my soulmate lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer. From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days." She added, "No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have ever been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely." The couple had been married for 18 years.

Janet also shared a statement Gerard had prepared for release after his death. In it, he reflected on his life: "My life has been an amazing journey. The opportunities I've had, the people I've met and the love I have given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying. My journey has taken me from Arkansas to New York to Los Angeles, and finally, to my home in North Georgia with my amazing wife, Janet, of 18 years. It's been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to...