Was shot and killed by his wife, former Playboy model and actress Saundra Edwards, during a domestic dispute. Gilson and Edwards had recently separated.
His death was later ruled justified homicide by a coroner's jury after it was learned he broke into her home drunk and threatened to kill her and her children.
Was a good friend of Steve McQueen. McQueen served as a pallbearer at his funeral.
Known for playing Elvis Presley-like characters in films and on TV.