The Remaining Key Actors From Buck Rogers In The 25th Century
In the realm of science fiction, few characters have had as significant an impact as Buck Rogers. Debuting in 1929, Buck paved the way for generations of space-faring heroes, influencing iconic figures from Flash Gordon to Star-Lord. While recent years have seen attempts by Legendary and Skydance to revive the Buck Rogers franchise, the character’s cultural footprint isn’t as pronounced today. However, during its heyday, Buck Rogers certainly made waves—transitioning from comic strips to radio, feature films, and a brief 1950s television series. Yet, when we think of live-action adaptations, Glen A. Larson’s “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” stands tall. Launching in 1979 with a somewhat lackluster theatrical release that was essentially a modified pilot, the show captivated audiences over two seasons that couldn’t have been more different from one another. It successfully encapsulated the pulpy charm of the original comics, forging a lasting legacy among sci-fi enthusiasts.
Now, let’s explore which of the beloved actors from this classic show are still alive and what they have accomplished since the series concluded in 1981.
Gil Gerard, who famously portrayed Captain William “Buck” Rogers, found himself grappling with his reservations about the show behind the scenes. Despite his critical views on the tone and direction, particularly after the first season’s shift toward a more “Star Trek”-like approach, Buck Rogers remains his most distinguished role. Post-cancellation, Gerard took part in low-profile TV movies and landed a leading role in the family drama “Sidekicks.” More recently, he has made appearances in genre B-movies alongside guest roles in daytime dramas.
Erin Gray, who played the formidable Colonel Wilma Deering, is reminiscent of trailblazers like Lt. Nyota Uhura and Princess Leia. For her, the chemistry with Gil Gerard forged during auditions led to a memorable partnership on screen. After “Buck Rogers,” Gray maintained a robust career, highlighted by her role in the enduring sitcom “Silver Spoons” and several compelling guest appearances in major series throughout the 1990s.
Eric Server lent his voice to the endearing Dr. Theopolis, a character relegated to the sidelines after season one. Following his time on the show, Server found recurring roles in various 1980s and 1990s series, including “B.J. and the Bear” and “Hill Street Blues,” with his most recent credit being a minor role in a 2014 comedy.
Pamela Hensley’s character Princess Ardala was a standout antagonist known for her ambition and cunning. Having an impressive acting history prior to joining the cast, Hensley transitioned from “Buck Rogers” to roles in other iconic shows, though she ultimately stepped back from acting in the mid-1980s after successful stints that included “Matt Houston.”
Dennis Haysbert, a name that resonates widely today, had a fleeting presence on “Buck Rogers,” where he portrayed multiple minor roles. Nevertheless, his career surged post-series, marked by memorable performances in “Major League,” “24,” and “The Unit.” Haysbert remains a sought-after talent in both acting and voice work.
Finally, Alex Hyde-White also played various minor enforcers during his time on the series. His career continued to flourish with notable roles, including the younger version of Indiana Jones’ father in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” With appearances in major films and popular television series, Hyde-White has remained an active figure in the entertainment industry.
As we reflect on “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” it’s clear that many of its actors have not only lived on through their characters but have also successfully carved out their individual paths in an ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
