Introduction

Connie Sellecca is an American actress and former model whose career spanned some of the most iconic decades of television, from the late 1970s through the 1990s. Best known for her elegance, screen presence, and leading roles in hit TV series, Sellecca is also widely recognized as the former wife of Gil Gerard, the late actor who rose to global fame as the star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

In recent days, renewed public interest in Connie Sellecca has followed headlines announcing Gil Gerard’s death at age 82 after a battle with a rare aggressive cancer, drawing attention back to the lives intertwined with his legacy. While the news has brought Gerard’s career back into focus, it has also led many to ask: who is Connie Sellecca beyond her connection to him?

Early Life & Childhood

Connie Sellecca was born May 25, 1955, in The Bronx, New York City, during a time when television and fashion were rapidly shaping American pop culture. Raised in a traditional household, she grew up with strong values around discipline, presentation, and ambition — qualities that would later define her professional life.

From an early age, Sellecca stood out for her poise and striking looks, traits that naturally led her toward modeling before she transitioned into acting.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Connie Sellecca was born to Roberto Sellecca, a restaurateur, and Concetta Sellecca, a homemaker. Her family has Italian roots, and she has often credited her upbringing with grounding her amid the pressures of fame.

She has at least one sibling, including a brother, though Connie has consistently kept much of her family life private, choosing to let her work speak louder than personal exposure.

Education

Sellecca attended Boston College, where she initially pursued higher education before leaving to focus on modeling and acting opportunities. Her decision marked a turning point — one that quickly paid off as she entered the entertainment industry during a highly competitive era.

Career or Profession

Connie Sellecca began her career as a fashion model, appearing in national advertisements before transitioning into television acting in the late 1970s.

She gained early recognition through roles in series such as Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979) and later became a household name in the 1980s with her starring role as Christine Francis in the hit ABC drama “Hotel.”

Throughout her career, Sellecca built a reputation for portraying intelligent, composed women, often balancing glamour with emotional depth. She later appeared in The Greatest American Hero, Magnum, P.I., Flying Blind, and several made-for-TV films.

Health challenges in the early 1990s led her to step back from acting, a decision she approached with openness and grace.

Connection to the Celebrity: Gil Gerard

Connie Sellecca married Gil Gerard in 1979, at the height of both their careers. Gerard was then a rising star, propelled into international fame by Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, while Sellecca was establishing herself as a leading television actress.

The couple welcomed a son, Gib Gerard, during their marriage, and for years they were considered one of Hollywood’s most striking television-era couples.

Despite their public image, the marriage ended in 1987, after eight years together. Both Sellecca and Gerard later acknowledged the pressures of fame and demanding careers as contributing factors to their separation.

Trend Connection, Naturally Integrated

Recently, Gil Gerard made headlines following news of his death at age 82, after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Tributes from fans and fellow actors have highlighted his cultural impact, particularly his role as Buck Rogers.

As audiences revisit Gerard’s life and legacy, attention has also returned to those closest to him during his most influential years — including Connie Sellecca, whose own career flourished alongside his during that defining era of television history.

Personal Life / Relationships

After her divorce from Gil Gerard in 1987, Connie Sellecca later found lasting love with musician, composer, and television host John Tesh. The two married in 1992 and have remained together for over three decades, a rarity in Hollywood.

Together, they share a daughter, Prima Tesh, who has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. Sellecca has consistently prioritized privacy and stability in her family life, choosing to step back from Hollywood at various points to focus on health, faith, and motherhood.

During John Tesh’s highly publicized battle with cancer, Connie Sellecca was widely praised for her strength and devotion, reinforcing her public image as a grounded and deeply committed partner.

 

Net Worth

Connie Sellecca’s estimated net worth is between $5 million and $10 million, accumulated through decades of television work, modeling contracts, and joint ventures with her husband, John Tesh.

Interesting Facts

• Connie Sellecca once hosted The New Newlywed Game in the 1980s.

• She stepped away from acting after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

• She is known for turning down roles that conflicted with her personal values.

• Sellecca has remained largely out of Hollywood’s spotlight by choice.

Recent News or Updates

The recent passing of Gil Gerard has renewed public interest in his career and personal life. While Connie Sellecca has not made public statements tied to the news, her name continues to appear in retrospectives honoring Gerard’s legacy and the era they shared.

Conclusion

Connie Sellecca’s story is one of talent, restraint, and quiet strength. While history often links her to Gil Gerard, her legacy stands firmly on its own — shaped by iconic television roles, personal resilience, and a deliberate choice to live with intention beyond fame.

As Hollywood reflects on Gil Gerard’s passing, Connie Sellecca remains a powerful reminder that the lives surrounding legends are often just as compelling — rich with grace, independence, and enduring relevance.

FAQ

Who is Connie Sellecca?
Connie Sellecca is an American actress and former model best known for her role in Hotel and as the ex-wife of Gil Gerard.

Was Connie Sellecca married to Gil Gerard?
Yes. Connie Sellecca and Gil Gerard were married from 1979 to 1987 and share a son, Gib Gerard.

Did Connie Sellecca have children with Gil Gerard?
Yes, they have one son together, named Gib Gerard.

What happened to Gil Gerard?
Gil Gerard died at age 82 after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Is Connie Sellecca still married?
Yes. She has been married to musician and TV host John Tesh since 1992.

Who is Connie Sellecca’s child with John Tesh?
Connie Sellecca and John Tesh have one daughter, Prima Tesh.