Iconic 70s sci-fi actress, 74, looks unrecognisable in rare outing 45 years after hit show

Erin Gray is most known for her efforts in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (Picture: Universal) An iconic actress and successful TV model looked completely unrecognisable from her Hollywood fame in new pictures.

Erin Gray is most known for her efforts in 1979 flick Buck Rogers in the 25th Century – and the weekly TV series – but has commanded the screen in countless films and programs since then.

The 74-year-old made a very rare appearance out in LA, and went mostly , went mostly unnoticed as she made a very rare appearance out last week.

New photographs have emerged of the star running errands in LA, perched on a bench as she waited for her car to be washed.

She looked casual for the day in a black Adidas puffer boat, paired with black trousers and trainers.

Completing the look, she added a black baseball cap, a cross-body bag and sunglasses.

The actress was pictured running errands in LA (Picture: Mega)

She looked unrecognisable in a more casual look (Picture: Mega) Erin stepped into the spotlight as a teenager and began a successful career in modelling – she became one of the biggest TV models in the 70s, while also dipping a toe into the acting world.

She made her film debut as Colonel Wilma Deering in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, alongside Gil Gerard, Pamela Hensley and Tim O’Connor.

The movie would go on to serve as the pilot of the TV show, which ran for two seasons between 1979 – 1981.

It followed a 20th century astronaut who is accidentally frozen for more than 500 years and re-emerges in 2491 – he is rescued and has to somehow fit into life in the 25th century.

The star kept her head down as she headed out in LA (Picture: Mega)

She has been in the spotlight for around five decades (Picture: Mega) ‘I was scared to death on the one hand,’ she previously told Closer Weekly of the role. “‘Oh, this is science fiction, which means that everything I’m dealing with isn’t real.”

‘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.  

‘So it’s like, “OK, just make it real. Just commit to the realness of this.” Use my memory training to create the reality and sort of commit to it. Again, I throw myself into things that are scary and hope for the best.

‘The other thing is that there’s a part of my personality that is fearless, but there’s also a part of my personality that has dealt with a certain amount of abuse in my life. So there’s a very fragile part.’

Erin first stepped into the spotlight with her modelling career (Picture: Mega)

She landed the role of Colonel Wilma Deering in Buck Rogers (Picture: Universal)

The movie aired in 1979, followed by a TV series that same year (Picture: Universal) Following her efforts in Buck Rogers, she went on to steal the show as Kate Summers-Stratton in Silver Spoons, Baywatch, The Guild and Profiler – as well as appearances in Magnum PI, the Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote.

She also enjoyed more stints on the big screen in Loaded, Dreams Awake, Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday and Hunter Prey.

Erin is still working, with roles in 2019 movies Finding Grace and A Christmas Princess, and a stint in The Thundermans in 2018.

Erin has barely been off our screens since (Picture: Rex) ‘I feel very blessed,’ she added to Closer of her career. ‘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. 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.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Arrow MORE: WWE fans ‘heartbroken’ as iconic tag team explode in bitter backstage row

Arrow MORE: ‘Wasn’t an easy decision’: TV star quits major show after 14 years

Arrow MORE: Sir Elton John shares devastating impact of ‘losing sight’ in one eye on his career