Days of our Lives cast Gil Gerard in a short-term role in 1997. The actor, who died on December 16, played Major Dodd in Salem. He's also known to TV fans for his run in the title role on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Gerard also appeared on the gone (but not forgotten) NBC serials Another World and The Doctors.Days of our Lives, In Memoriam, Gil Gerard View this post on Instagram Instagram Post"This is Janet Gerard, Gil’s wife," shared Janet in a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 16, soon after Gerard died. "Just to clarify - I was by his side when my husband passed away this morning in hospice care. Below is the message he left:"If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to," Gil Gerard's message began. "My life has been an amazing journey. The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, and the love I have given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying."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," the actor continued. "It’s been a great ride, but inevitably one that comes to a close as mine has."The actor ended his post with some inspiring words, especially for anyone who has a dream in their hearts. "Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love," Gerard concluded. "See you out somewhere in the cosmos."Gerard's time on Days of our LivesConnie Sellecca and her former husband, Gil Gerard, of Days of our Lives | Image: JPIIn 1997, Gerard was cast in the role of Major Dodd on Days of our Lives. He was brought on for a specific story beat as the major was tasked with informing Marlena (Deidre Hall) that her former husband, Roman Brady, had been killed while on assignment in the Middle East. Dodd told Marlena that Roman's death had been quick; in private, John (Drake Hogestyn) asked Dodd what had truly happened.Dodd confided in John that Roman had been captured months earlier and had been held in captivity, and that efforts to rescue him had been in vain. Of course, in reality, Roman was alive. Kristen (then, Eileen Davidson; now, Stacy Haiduk) brought a wheelchair-bound Roman (Josh Taylor) with his head covered in bandages back to Salem to prevent John and Marlena from moving ahead with their lives.Days of our Lives wasn't Gerard's only soap. He played Dr. Alan Stewart on The Doctors from 1973-76. In 1972, he appeared on Another World as Fred Warner.Gerard was born Gilbert "Gil" Gerard on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas. After working as an industrial chemist, Gerard got his lucky break by working as an extra in the film Love Story, which starred Ryan O'Neal and Ali McGraw.Gerard appeared in commercials, including a stint as a spokesman for the Ford Motor Company. Michael Landon was impressed with Gerard's guest spot on an episode of Little House on the Prairie, and he cast Gerard in the TV-movie, Killing Stone. Next, he landed the title role in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.Gerard is survived by his wife, Janet Gerard, of 18 years, and his son, Gib, with his former wife, Connie Sellecca (Hotel; Greatest American Hero).Soap Central sends sincere condolences to Gerard's family and loved ones at this difficult time.