Gil Gerard, the Arkansas born actor who won audiences' hearts as Buck Rogers in the NBC sci-fi series of the same name, passed away at 82 after battling with an illness for long.

His wife, Janet Gerard announced the sad news that he died due to cancer on social media.

She took to Facebook and penned, "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. No matter how many years I got to spend with him it would have been enough. Hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely."

At his request, she even posted a statement on his verified Facebook account, which read, "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."

Continuing, "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."