RIP Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers)

[TangledThorns]

Gil Gerard's Buck Rogers was another cool icon from my childhood. RIP

 

Buck Rogers Actor Gil Gerard Dies Aged 82

https://www.ign.com/articles/buck-rogers-actor-gil-gerard-dies-aged-82

[Big s]

2 hours ago, TangledThorns said:

Gil Gerard's Buck Rogers was another cool icon from my childhood.

Same here. I loved the show and the super cool intro. When it was in syndication, it would often come on right after I finished homework and usually just before dinner. My brother and I would often watch it right when dad was coming home and the smell of my moms cooking filling the house.

[sh9000]

RIP.

[pengbuzz]

RIP Captain Rogers; may you finally find your way home. (salute)

[Thom]

Farewell Captain Rogers. May the next journey be as exiting as this has been.

[Major Tom]

RIP Mr Buck Roger - one of my favorite shows on TV growing up.

[derex3592]

Ohh man, this one hurts!  R.I.P. Captain Rogers! 

[Valkyrie Hunter D]

Man, I still remember him in Sidekicks.  R.I.P. Mr. Gerard.

[Bobby]

This dvd set has been sitting next to my desk the past year, I picked it up shortly after Thom Christopher (Hawk) passed last December and just started watching an episode here and there (watched 21 so far) which kinda makes this hit harder ... many fond memories watching his adventures with my brother.

[pengbuzz]

For Gil; the vocal version of the Buck Rogers End Title Theme ("Suspension"):

 

[Dynaman]

Loved the show, first season at any rate, and it is liking losing a piece of my childhood.

 

 

[arcoregon]

I just started the Blurays! Thank you Gil Gerard. Many lifelong happy memories from the 4th grade. RIP.

[M'Kyuun]

Sad news. While I never watched it, or much of anything else zealously with any regularity as a kid, I'd tune into Buck Rogers from time to time. Gil Gerard came across as affable and roguishly heroic, a perfect fit for the role. Of course, my eye was usually on Col. Deering, but the show on the whole was fun and inventive, like so much sci-fi from that era. Thanks for the memories, Captain Rogers! RIP

[electric indigo]

He had the best ride of all starfighters. Godspeed.

[derex3592]

@electric indigo YEEESS!!!!! The Starfighters were and are still amazing looking!!! 

[Big s]

13 hours ago, electric indigo said:

He had the best ride of all starfighters. Godspeed.

My favorite sci fi ships came from that era. Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers. Something about the details and hand painted models felt more realistic than any cg space ships and fighters

[M'Kyuun]

3 hours ago, Big s said:

My favorite sci fi ships came from that era. Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers. Something about the details and hand painted models felt more realistic than any cg space ships and fighters

Given that ILM, or former members thereof, worked on the models, they shared a lived-in, used aesthetic that gave them a realism never before seen in previous sci-fi, Kubrick's 2001 : A Space Odyssey notwithstanding. Too, I think a lot of ILM's other tricks were used, or copied, to make the motions of the ships look more realistic and dynamic. I don't recall any space fighter scenes from Buck Rogers (I may have missed the eps when they occurred, but I've seen pics of Rogers' ship over the years- it is cool). However, the Viper launch scenes from BSG are forever etched in my memory- happily so.

Edited December 19, 2025 by M'Kyuun

[Big s]

36 minutes ago, M'Kyuun said:

Give that ILM, or former members thereof, worked on the models, they shared a lived-in, used aesthetic that gave them a realism never before seen in previous sci-fi, Kubrick's 2001 : A Space Odyssey notwithstanding. Too, I think a lot of ILM's other tricks were used, or copied, to make the motions of the ships look more realistic and dynamic. I don't recall any space fighter scenes from Buck Rogers (I may have missed the eps when they occurred, but I've seen pics of Rogers' ship over the years- it is cool). However, the Viper launch scenes from BSG are forever etched in my memory- happily so.

The Hawk shop is pretty memorable and weird

[M'Kyuun]

1 hour ago, Big s said:

The Hawk shop is pretty memorable and weird

I'm not sure what you're referring to, unless the character Hawk had a shop. I vaguely remember the character let alone much else about him. I know the actor who played him, Thom Christopher, passed away in 2024. RIP

[Big s]

14 minutes ago, M'Kyuun said:

I'm not sure what you're referring to, unless the character Hawk had a shop. I vaguely remember the character let alone much else about him. I know the actor who played him, Thom Christopher, passed away in 2024. RIP

It was spell checked, supposed to be ship not shop. Spell check is my biggest nemesis it has cute lil feet

Edited December 19, 2025 by Big s

[M'Kyuun]

9 minutes ago, Big s said:

It was spell checked, supposed to be ship not shop. Spell check is my biggest nemesis it has cute lil feet

Well, it's definitely on brand for the pilot. Gives it character, but I don't remember it. Had I seen it, it probably would have stayed with me, as it's almost a mech, especially if it could flap or fold its wings. Kinda reminds me of this gem from LEGO Chima, my favorite set out of the whole theme.

[electric indigo]

8 hours ago, Big s said:

My favorite sci fi ships came from that era. Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers.

And all of them came from the minds of Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston. They should be on the Mt. Rushmore of SF Design, along with Syd Mead & Ron Cobb.

[derex3592]

Is it wrong I'm SERIOUSLY considering forking over some $$$ for a sealed original Monogram 1/35 Starfighter model off Evilbay for a Christmas present to myself in honor of Gil??? Not many left out there, soooo wish a modern GOOD model company would make a new one!!! 

[tekering]

39 minutes ago, derex3592 said:

I'm SERIOUSLY considering forking over some $$$ for a sealed original Monogram 1/35 Starfighter model off Evilbay for a Christmas present to myself

If you want a vintage "Starfighter" model by Christmas, eBay might be your only recourse...

If, however, you want an accurate Thunder fighter that's larger, more detailed, and easier to assemble and paint, there are superior 3D-printed versions that would probably cost you less (especially if you had a fellow forum member print it for you). 😉

[electric indigo]

I say get it for the nostalgic boxart!

But seriously, the size does not justify the current prices, especially if you take tekering's offer into account.

It is a good kit of the subject, though.