WASHINGTON — Renowned actor Gil Gerard, best known for his portrayal of Buck Rogers in the series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” has passed away at the age of 82 following a courageous battle with cancer. 

The news of Gerard’s passing was shared by his wife, Janet, via a heartfelt Facebook post on Tuesday. 

“Early this morning, my soulmate Gil succumbed to a rare and fiercely aggressive type of cancer,” she expressed on Facebook. “From the moment we suspected something was amiss to his passing this morning, it was a matter of days. No amount of time with him would have ever been enough.” 

She further urged, “Embrace your loved ones closely and cherish them deeply.” 

Janet also relayed a statement on Gerard’s official Facebook page, revealing that he spent his final moments in hospice care and had prepared a message for her to share after his passing. 

“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,” the statement read. “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 a close as mine has.”

“Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos,” the statement continued.

“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” had two seasons, running from 1979 to 1981. Gerard played the titular character Captain William “Buck” Rogers, a 20th-century astronaut frozen in space for more than 500 years, who wakes up in 2491.