Erin Gray is best known for her roles as Colonel Wilma Deering in the science fiction series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” and as Kate Summers in the popular sitcom series “Silver Spoons.”
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Gray moved with her family from Hawaii to California when she was eight years old and graduated from Pacific Palisades High School. She was fifteen when a chance meeting with Nina Blanchard, head of one of Hollywood’s top model agencies, convinced her what she wanted to do in life – pursue a career in modelling.
Moving to New York City, she became one of the top models in NYC. Gray worked as a spokeswoman for several accounts including L'Oréal, Max Factor and Bloomingdale's. Television viewers encountered her commercials for Breck, Max Factor, Clairol, Camay Soap and RC Cola, and a classic spot--for English Leather cologne--in which she provocatively declared, "My men wear English Leather--or they wear nothing at all!"
Gray developed an interest in acting, so she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her Hollywood acting career. Shortly after moving to California, she landed her first starring role, on the miniseries “Evening in Byzantium.” Following positive reviews, Gray was put on a seven-year contract at Universal Studios, which led directly to her taking the role of Colonel Wilma Deering in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” at first for a theatrically released movie, then for a recurring TV series. Gray's trim, shapely figure, augmented by a tight one piece jumpsuit uniform, was popular with the show's predominantly young male audience. Gray commented that she was aware of the sexiness of her uniform which was so tight that she had to be sewn into it. Her character was also high profile within the show, second only to Gil Gerard in the lead role, thus representing one of the early examples of a strong female character in a science fiction setting. Because of this Gray was seen as an important role model for female viewers.
Shortly after “Buck Rogers,” Gray appeared with top leading men on-camera including Tom Selleck in “Magnum P.I.” and Kenny Rogers in the movie “Six Pack.” Gray’s role as Kate Summers in the TV sitcom “Silver Spoons” with Ricky Schroder and Joel Higgins was very popular in the mid-80’s. Additional appearances over the years include guest starring roles in “Superboy,” “Murder She Wrote,” and featured roles in “Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday," the ninth entry in the Friday the 13th series and “Dreams Awake” with Gary Grahamand. She also plays the role of Madeline Twain on the webseries “The Guild” and “Star Trek Continues” as Commodore Gray, with Lou Ferrigno.
Gray is also a casting agent. Her agency – “Heroes for Hire,” specializes in booking sci-fi and fantasy stars for personal appearances, speaking engagements, and charity events. In 1998, Gray wrote a book “Act Right” with Mara Purl which contains advice for novice television and movie actors.
