Erin Gray, the iconic star best remembered for her commanding role as Colonel Wilma Deering in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has been spotted making a rare public appearance in Los Angeles.
At 74 years old, the actress has largely stepped away from the limelight, but recent photographs captured her casual yet effortlessly chic demeanor as she went about her day running errands.
The snapshots show Erin perched on an outdoor bench as she waited for her car to be washed. Dressed in a sleek black Adidas puffer jacket, she paired the cozy outerwear with black trousers and comfortable trainers, striking a laid-back yet polished silhouette.
© GARRETT PRESS / MEGAAdding to her understated ensemble, Erin accessorized with a black baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a practical cross-body bag. The subtlety of her outfit almost made her unrecognizable, allowing her to blend into the crowd while exuding the effortless grace that has always defined her.
Erin's appearance brought a wave of nostalgia for fans who fondly remember her trailblazing career. She first entered the entertainment world as a teenager, making a name for herself as one of the most sought-after television models of the 1970s. It wasn’t long before her talent and undeniable charisma paved the way for her transition into acting.
© GARRETT PRESS / MEGAHer breakout role as Colonel Wilma Deering in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century showcased her ability to command attention on-screen. The 1979 science fiction film, which served as the pilot for the popular TV series, transported audiences to a futuristic world where Erin's character worked alongside astronaut Buck Rogers, played by Gil Gerard.
Reflecting on her time as Wilma, Erin previously shared with Closer Weekly the challenges of stepping into such an unconventional role: "I was scared to death on the one hand. This is science fiction, which means that everything I’m dealing with isn’t real."
© NBCTo bring authenticity to the character, Erin relied on her training and personal resilience. "There’s no normal telephone, I’m saying words that are a little Greek and a little Latin put together to make something new.
The only way I could get through it was just trying to make it as real as I possibly could," she explained. "There’s a part of my personality that is fearless, but there’s also a part that has dealt with a certain amount of abuse in my life. So there’s a very fragile part."
Her ability to overcome these challenges made Wilma Deering a trailblazing character in television history—an empowered, multidimensional woman leading the charge in a male-dominated genre. The show itself became a cult classic, running for two seasons and earning Erin a dedicated fan base.
© NBCFollowing her success in Buck Rogers, Erin continued to dazzle on both the big and small screens. She became a household name as Kate Summers-Stratton in the sitcom Silver Spoons, where her warmth and comedic timing won over audiences once again.
Her versatility as an actress was further showcased with appearances in hit shows like Magnum P.I., The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote. Erin also dipped into darker roles with performances in films like Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday and Hunter Prey.
Even as her career evolved, Erin maintained a steady presence in Hollywood, appearing in projects as recent as the 2019 films Finding Grace and A Christmas Princess. She also made a memorable guest appearance on Nickelodeon’s The Thundermans in 2018, proving her enduring appeal to fans old and new.
Reflecting on her journey, Erin has often expressed gratitude for the opportunities and people who have shaped her life. "I feel very blessed," she told Closer Weekly. "There’s no doubt I’ve had people come into my life without whom I don’t think I’d be the person I am today. I’m glad I did it my way, even though I made some mistakes."
Her personal life has been equally fulfilling. Erin is a proud mother and has built a strong foundation with her husband, whom she credits as a source of unwavering support. "I’ve been very blessed with beautiful children and an incredible husband. I pinch myself every day. I’m glad I took chances. I’m glad I took risks," she shared.
