Introduction

Janet Gerard became a public figure overnight—not by choice, but through love, loss, and grace.

Following the death of her husband, actor Gil Gerard, best known for his iconic role in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Janet stepped forward to confirm his passing and share his final words with the world. Her message, posted on Gil’s official Facebook page, revealed not only the circumstances of his death but also the depth of their 18-year marriage.

As headlines focus on Gil Gerard’s legacy, many are now asking: Who is Janet Gerard, the woman who stood beside him in his final chapter?

Who She Is

Janet Gerard is the widow of the late American actor Gil Gerard and a creative professional in her own right. She is known as the Owner and Designer at Rayguns & Rust, a business reflecting her artistic and independent spirit.

Private by nature, Janet largely stayed out of the spotlight during her marriage—until December 2025, when her husband’s death brought her voice into public view.

Her Connection to Gil Gerard

Janet Gerard was Gil Gerard’s fifth wife and his life partner for nearly two decades.

The couple married in the mid-2000s and settled together in northern Georgia, where they lived a quieter life away from Hollywood’s pressures. Janet remained by Gil’s side as his health declined and was present when he died peacefully in hospice care.

In her words, Gil was not just her husband—but her soulmate.

Why She Is Relevant Now (Trend Touch)

Janet Gerard became a focal point in news coverage after confirming that Gil Gerard died on Tuesday, December 16, at age 82, following a rapid battle with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer.

In a moving Facebook post, she clarified that she was with him in his final moments and shared the farewell message he asked her to publish—words that have since been widely quoted by fans and media outlets.

Early Life & Childhood

Details about Janet Gerard’s early life, including her birth date and childhood background, have not been publicly disclosed. Unlike her husband, she did not grow up in the entertainment industry and has maintained a strong boundary between her private life and public attention.

This discretion has only deepened public curiosity following Gil Gerard’s death.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Janet Gerard has not publicly shared information about her parents or siblings. Her privacy in this area has remained consistent throughout her marriage and widowhood, reinforcing her preference for a grounded, personal life outside celebrity culture.

Education

Public records do not list Janet Gerard’s educational background. However, her professional work as a designer suggests a background rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, or hands-on artistic training.

Career or Profession

According to her Facebook profile, Janet Gerard is the Owner and Designer at Rayguns & Rust.

While details about the brand are limited, the role points to Janet as a creative entrepreneur—someone who builds and designs rather than simply managing from afar. Her professional identity stands independently of her late husband’s fame.

Connection to the Celebrity (Relationship Dynamic)

Janet and Gil Gerard’s relationship was defined by stability, companionship, and emotional grounding—particularly important given Gil’s earlier life struggles.

Before marrying Janet, Gil Gerard had been married four times:

• A brief first marriage in Arkansas (1960s)

• A second marriage to a bank executive in New York

• A third marriage to Connie Sellecca (1979–1987), with whom he had a son

• A fourth marriage to interior designer Bobi Leonard (1987–1989)

With Janet, however, Gil found lasting peace.

In his final message, he wrote:

“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.”

Personal Life & Family

Janet Gerard did not have biological children with Gil Gerard, but she became a stepmother figure to his son:

• Gilbert Vincent “Gib” Gerard, born in 1981
  Son of Gil Gerard and Connie Sellecca
  An actor and producer known for Discarded (2013), Currency Rising (2011), and Desecrated (2015)

Gil’s parents were Frank Gerard, a knife salesman, and Gladys Gerard, a teacher. He also had two older brothers.

Net Worth

Janet Gerard’s personal net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, as the surviving spouse of Gil Gerard and a business owner, she is believed to be financially stable, though exact figures remain private.

Interesting Facts About Janet Gerard

• She was married to Gil Gerard for 18 years, longer than any of his previous marriages

• She confirmed his death personally rather than through a publicist

• She shared his final message exactly as he requested

• She lives a creative life outside Hollywood

• She prefers privacy over publicity—even during global media attention

 

Recent News or Updates

Recently, Gil Gerard made headlines worldwide following confirmation that he died after a brief but aggressive cancer battle.

Janet Gerard’s announcement—and the farewell message she shared—has become central to how fans understand his final days, adding a deeply human dimension to the news.

Conclusion

Janet Gerard is not a celebrity by profession—but she has become a figure of quiet strength, dignity, and love.

Through her words, the world didn’t just learn how Gil Gerard died. They learned how he lived, how he loved, and how deeply he valued the life they built together.

In honoring his final request, Janet preserved not only his legacy—but his voice.

FAQ Section

Who is Janet Gerard?
Janet Gerard is the wife and widow of actor Gil Gerard and a designer who owns Rayguns & Rust.

How long were Janet and Gil Gerard married?
They were married for approximately 18 years until Gil’s death.

What did Janet Gerard say after Gil Gerard died?
She confirmed his death and shared his farewell message, written in his own words.

What was Gil Gerard’s cause of death?
Gil Gerard died from complications related to a rare and aggressively fast-moving cancer.

Does Janet Gerard have children?
She does not have biological children but is stepmother to Gil Gerard’s son, Gib Gerard.