SAD NEWS: Ex-DOOL Star Dies at Age 82, Shocking Fans – Days of Our Lives Spoilers

For generations, Days of Our Lives has been more than just a television show. It has been a daily companion, a familiar heartbeat in living rooms across the world, telling stories of love found and lost, betrayals that cut deep, redemptions hard-won, and families whose tangled histories feel as real as our own. Salem is a fictional town, but for longtime viewers, it feels like home—a place where the Bradys, the Hortons, and so many unforgettable characters have grown alongside the audience.

Today, however, the news reaching fans is not a shocking plot twist or a jaw-dropping cliffhanger written into the script. Instead, it is a moment of real-life sorrow that has rippled through the Days of Our Lives community and beyond. With heavy hearts, fans are mourning the passing of a beloved former DOOL star—an actor whose career stretched across decades and genres, and whose presence, even in brief appearances, left a lasting impression.

At the age of 82, Gil Gerard has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans daytime drama, primetime television, and science fiction history. While his time on Days of Our Lives may have been short, the impact he made—and the memories he created—continue to resonate deeply with viewers who remember his work and the era of television he helped define.

A Loss That Hits Close to Home

In an industry where faces come and go, there are certain performers whose names instantly spark recognition and nostalgia. Gil Gerard was one of those rare figures. News of his passing spread quickly, sending shockwaves through the entertainment world and prompting an outpouring of grief, remembrance, and gratitude from fans across generations.

Though Days of Our Lives has weathered countless fictional deaths and dramatic farewells over the decades, this loss feels different. It is a reminder that behind every character is a real person, with a life lived beyond the screen. Gerard’s death is not just the end of a career—it is the closing of a chapter in television history.

Remembering His Time in Salem

To Days of Our Lives fans, Gil Gerard will always be remembered for his role as Major Dodd, a character who appeared during a tense and dramatic period in Salem in 1997. While his stint lasted only a handful of episodes, his presence was impossible to ignore.

Major Dodd entered the storyline at a time when secrets, shifting alliances, and high-stakes intrigue dominated the canvas. As a military figure, the character brought authority, mystery, and a sense of danger to the plot, intertwining with storylines involving major players like Marlena Evans and John Black. Gerard infused the role with a commanding gravitas, making every scene feel charged with unspoken history and hidden motives.

Fans still recall how his deep voice and confident demeanor elevated even the smallest moments. Major Dodd wasn’t just passing through Salem—he was a catalyst, stirring suspicion and tension, hinting at deeper conspiracies that left viewers guessing long after his episodes aired. It was a masterclass in how a guest role, when performed with skill and presence, can leave an unforgettable mark.

From Arkansas Roots to Television Stardom

Gil Gerard’s journey to Salem—and to stardom—began far from the bright lights of Hollywood. Born Gilbert Sirill Gerard on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, he grew up in modest surroundings during a turbulent time in American history. Even then, the seeds of performance were taking root.

As a young man, Gerard discovered his love for acting in high school drama classes and stage productions. The thrill of performing, of connecting with an audience, quickly became irresistible. Though he initially pursued chemistry at the University of Arkansas, the pull of the stage proved stronger than any laboratory. Leaving college behind, he made the bold decision to chase his dream—moving to New York City with little more than ambition and determination.

The Soap Opera Training Ground

Like many actors of his generation, Gerard honed his craft in the demanding world of daytime television. In 1973, he landed a major role as Dr. Alan Stewart on the soap opera The Doctors. For three years, he brought depth and sincerity to the character, navigating storylines filled with ethical dilemmas, romantic complications, and life-or-death decisions.

That experience shaped him as a performer. The relentless pace of soap production required discipline, emotional agility, and a deep connection with the audience. Gerard thrived under the pressure, earning a reputation as a dependable and compelling actor. His time on The Doctors laid the groundwork for everything that followed—including his eventual appearance on Days of Our Lives years later.

Becoming a Science Fiction Icon

While soap fans knew him well, it was primetime television that transformed Gil Gerard into a cultural phenomenon. In 1979, he stepped into the role that would define his career: Captain William “Buck” Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

As the wisecracking astronaut awakened 500 years into the future, Gerard struck a perfect balance between heroism and humanity. Buck Rogers wasn’t invincible—he was adaptable, sarcastic, and deeply relatable, even when facing alien threats and futuristic chaos. The series captured the imagination of audiences hungry for adventure, humor, and spectacle in the wake of the Star Wars boom.

Gerard’s performance made Buck Rogers an icon. His chemistry with co-stars, including Erin Gray as Colonel Wilma Deering, helped cement the show’s legacy. Behind the scenes, Gerard fought for richer storytelling and character development, proving his dedication to the craft went far beyond surface-level fame.

A Career of Reinvention

After Buck Rogers ended, Gerard continued working steadily, taking on a wide range of roles in television movies, miniseries, and guest appearances. From crime dramas to animated projects, he demonstrated remarkable versatility. In 1992, he even hosted the reality series Code 3, showcasing real-life emergency responders and adding another dimension to his on-screen persona.

Yet, for many fans, his return to daytime television in 1997 with Days of Our Lives felt like a full-circle moment—a seasoned star revisiting the genre that helped shape him. Seeing Gerard walk the streets of Salem brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement, bridging the worlds of classic primetime adventure and daytime drama.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight

Off-screen, Gerard’s life was marked by love, family, and resilience. He was married four times, with his longest marriage lasting 18 years. He was also a devoted father, often speaking candidly about the joys and challenges of balancing family life with the unpredictable nature of an acting career.

Despite fame, Gerard remained grounded, frequently crediting his Arkansas upbringing for keeping him humble. He understood both the highs of success and the loneliness that can accompany it—and he faced each phase of life with honesty and grace.

A Final Farewell

Gil Gerard passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. The illness moved quickly, but those close to him say he faced it with the same courage and determination that defined his career.

His wife, Janna Gerard, shared the heartbreaking news publicly, along with a message Gerard had prepared for his fans: “My life has been an amazing journey. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.” The words felt heartbreakingly perfect—a farewell infused with the spirit of adventure that made him unforgettable.

Tributes poured in from co-stars, colleagues, and fans alike. Erin Gray remembered him as a gentleman with a generous heart, while soap opera veterans recalled his professionalism and warmth. Across social media, fans shared clips, artwork, and personal stories, reflecting on how his performances inspired them during difficult times.

A Legacy That Endures

Gil Gerard’s legacy is one of connection—between genres, generations, and audiences. From the intimate emotional storytelling of daytime soaps to the vast, imaginative landscapes of science fiction, he proved that every role matters, no matter how brief.

For Days of Our Lives fans, his portrayal of Major Dodd stands as a reminder that even a short stay in Salem can leave a powerful imprint. As the town’s stories continue to unfold, Gerard’s contribution remains part of its rich history.

On behalf of fans everywhere, and the extended Days of Our Lives family, we extend our deepest condolences to those who loved him. Gil Gerard may have taken his final bow, but his spirit—bold, adventurous, and unforgettable—will live on among the stars and in the hearts of viewers forever.