The sci-fi world has lost a gem of an actor.
Richard Hatch, the star of the original science fiction series Battlestar Galactica, passed away on Feb. 7 due to pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old. He is survived by his son, Paul.
Hatch is best known by his fans for his role of Captain Apollo in the original 1978 run of the sci-fi series. He also appeared in the 2003 rebooted Battlestar Galactica as Tom Zarek.
Pancreatic Cancer
According to Hatch's son Paul, Richard died peacefully after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was in hospice care until his last breath.
"In spite of significant roles in other series and motion pictures over the following decades, his connection with the original Battlestar as well as the remake created an international following among science fiction fans," according to the statement on the actor's website.
"While continuing his acting career, Richard was a popular figure at comic book conventions, science fiction forums and even hosted his own cruise ship events."
Hatch spent most of his later life getting involved in reviving the Battlestar series in different media such as film, TV, online webisodes and comic books.
Battlestar Galactica And Other Shows
Hatch came to fame for playing the role of Captain Apollo in the short-lived space saga Battlestar Galactica. Apollo was a Viper spacefighter of the Battlestar Galactica space ship. He was also famous for his friendship with Lieutenant Starbuck, and his romance with Lieutenant Sheba.
Born in 1945 after the war, Hatch began TV work in 1970 in the soap opera All My Children. He also did guest appearances on popular primetime shows such as Hawaii Five-O, Nakia, The Waltons, and Barnaby Jones.
He gained his first major role in 1976 as Inspector Dan Robbins in the series The Streets of San Francisco, a role that won him an award from a German magazine.
Then in 1978 came the series Battlestar Galactica that starred Hatch as Captain Apollo. Though the show was only one season long, it was enough to earn Hatch a Golden Globe nomination.
He appeared in the 2003 TV reboot of the series as Tom Zarek, a terrorist turned politician.
Hatch also appeared in movies, such as those made-for-TV ones, like The Hatfields and McCoys, Last of the Belle and Deadman's Curve.
The Battlestar Universe Sends Its Sympathies
Edward J. Olmos, who played alongside Hatch as Admiral Adama, tweeted:
"Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place. We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!"
Executive producer Ronald Moore called Hatch "a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional."
Bear McCreary, the show's composer, also sent his condolences via Twitter.
"I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo," McCreary tweeted.
