The 1980s were a time of bold fashion statements, and one woman stood at the forefront of one of the era's most memorable trends: the spandex craze. This trendsetter wasn't just any fashion icon; she was a pioneering female figure in the world of science fiction, captivating audiences with her skin-tight jumpsuits that glittered as much as the stars in the cosmic adventures she led on screen.

Her name is Erin Gray, and for many, she is synonymous with the confident and trailblazing Colonel Wilma Deering from the NBC sci-fi series 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.' The show, which aired from 1979 to 1981, catapulted Gray to fame, making her a household name and a role model for women in the genre.


Before she donned her iconic spandex suit, Gray was a successful model, gracing the pages of magazines with her poise and elegance. However, it was her role in 'Buck Rogers' that would see her become a screen siren, commanding the spaceship Ranger 3 alongside actor Gil Gerard. Her portrayal of Colonel Deering was not just significant for its time but also for the way it helped shape the portrayal of women in science fiction, offering a strong, capable, and intelligent character who could hold her own in any intergalactic skirmish.


Fast forward to today, and the once ubiquitous star of the small screen is now 74 years old, enjoying a quieter life away from the limelight. Recently, Erin Gray was spotted in Los Angeles, a rare sighting that DailyMail.com captured exclusively. The actress, who once would have been mobbed by fans, went nearly undetected as she visited a local car wash. Embracing her natural gray hair, she was dressed in a sporty all-black ensemble, complete with a puffer coat, pants, sneakers, and a small crossbody purse. As she waited for her BMW, she sat on an outdoor bench, engrossed in her tablet.


Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Gray has never fully left the sci-fi universe that made her a legend. She has made guest appearances in the 'Star Trek Continues' web series in 2014 and featured in an episode of the comedy film review series 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' in 2017. Her personal life has seen her through two marriages, with a son from her first marriage to Ken Schwartz and a daughter with her second husband, Richard Hissong.

'Buck Rogers,' created by Philip Francis Nowlan, first appeared in Nowlan's 1928 novel 'Armageddon 2419 A.D.' and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The character's adventures were chronicled in a comic strip starting in 1929, which ran until 1967, and inspired radio adaptations, comic books, and two television shows. The 1979 series, in which Gray starred, was a revival of the character's story, following a man who wakes up 500 years in the future and finds himself in a post-apocalyptic America.

The legacy of 'Buck Rogers' and Erin Gray's role in it continues to resonate with fans. In 2021, it was reported that George Clooney was looking to resurrect the beloved sci-fi series as an executive producer through his Smokehouse Pictures company.


Erin Gray's impact on the sci-fi genre and her role in popularizing spandex cannot be overstated. Her portrayal of Colonel Wilma Deering broke new ground for female characters in science fiction and inspired a fashion trend that would define a decade. As we look back on her career, we celebrate not just the iconic outfit that sparked an 80s obsession but the powerful legacy of a female sci-fi legend who blazed a trail for future generations.
Members, do you remember the first time you saw Erin Gray in her shimmering spandex suit? Did you follow her career from the space-age adventures of 'Buck Rogers' to the family dynamics of 'Silver Spoons'? Share your memories and thoughts on how she and other sci-fi icons of the era influenced your views on women in the genre and the fashion of the times. Let's reminisce about the days when spandex was the final frontier of fashion, and strong female characters began to take their rightful place in the pantheon of sci-fi legends.