Gilbert "Gil" Gerard was born on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he initially developed a passion for acting during his high school years. Despite his early interest, Gerard decided to pursue a different path, attending the University of Arkansas, only to drop out before graduation.
Instead, he landed a job as an industrial chemist and eventually became the regional manager of a large chemical company, under the leadership of Arkansas Governor "Win"throp Win Rockefeller, from 1967 to 1971. However, Gerard's employers offered him a promotion to vice-president on the condition that he obtain a master's degree, which he ultimately declined, citing his lack of a college diploma.
In 1970, Gerard made the bold decision to leave his job and relocate to New York City, where he began studying drama by day and driving a cab at night. It was during this time that he stumbled upon an opportunity to work as an extra on the film "Love Story," which was being shot on location in New York City. Although his initial role was a small one, Gerard's talent was soon recognized, and he was given a "bit" part in the film, earning his first professional credit.
The next few years saw Gerard appear in numerous television commercials, with a total of over four hundred ads to his name, including a stint as the spokesperson for the Ford Motor Company. He also landed a leading role in the daytime soap opera "The Doctors" in 1963.
In the late 1970s, Gerard co-authored a screenplay called "Hooch" and starred in the film as a leading man. His success in "Hooch" led to a co-starring role in "Ransom for Alice!" alongside Yvette Mimieux and a part in the film "Airport '77," opposite Lee Grant.
Gerard's breakout role came in 1978, when he starred in the television movie "Killing Stone," which was produced by and starred Michael Landon. This performance caught Landon's attention, and he went on to cast Gerard in the leading role of Captain Buck Rogers in the television series "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" in 1979.
