From high-fashion modeling to becoming the first female colonel on TV

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before she was a sci-fi icon, Erin Gray was a top-tier model earning $100,000 a year in New York City. Her transition from the runway to the screen allowed her to break gender barriers, portraying a woman in command during an era of limited representation.

Born in 1950, Erin Gray began her professional journey in modeling, winning her first assignment in St. Louis at age 14. By 1975, she had established herself as one of the nation's premier TV models in New York City. However, her ambition extended beyond the camera lens; she began auditioning for acting roles during frequent trips to Los Angeles, eventually landing a starring role in the 1978 miniseries Evening in Byzantium.

This success led to a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, most notably for the series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. While her role as Colonel Wilma Deering was noted for its aesthetic appeal, Gray viewed it as a vehicle for social progress. She consciously embraced the character's authority, noting that being the first female colonel provided a vital message for young viewers: that a woman could be in charge and hold a position of leadership.

Gray's career is marked by diverse roles, from security experts in Magnum, P.I. to recurring characters in sitcoms like Silver Spoons. Beyond her on-screen work, she has authored acting guides and transitioned into a career as a casting agent for her agency, Heroes for Hire. She also remains active in advocacy against child exploitation and teaches tai chi, blending her public persona with community service and education.

Her personal life has mirrored her professional journey, involving two marriages and a move from New York to Los Angeles as her career flourished. Her influence persists through her children, who have even appeared in modern web series iterations of her most famous sci-fi character.

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