Richard Hatch, best known for playing Apollo on the original Battlestar Galactica and for playing Tom Zarek on the Syfy remake. Hatch passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 71, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1945, Hatch started his career in off-Broadway theater. After an early role on “All My Children” in 1970, he worked steadily in television, appearing in such series as ”Dynasty,” “Murder She Wrote,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Baywatch,” “MacGyver,” ”The Love Boat” and “Santa Barbara.” He co-starred with Karl Malden for one season of “The Streets of San Francisco,” after Michael Douglas left the show.
It was his involvement with the Battlestar Galactica franchise go above and beyond simply appearing as an actor. More than a decade before the BSG reboot, Hatch championed a return to the franchise, co-writing seven novels continuing the story of the original series. He also became a popular fixture at comic book and sci-fi events for fans.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times on behalf of the family, Paul Hatch spoke of his father’s long relationship with “Battlestar Galactica” in its various iterations.
It read, in part, “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. 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.”
“Battlestar Galactica” colleagues and friends paid tribute to the actor Tuesday afternoon on social media.
Richard Hatch was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional. His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family.
— Ronald D. Moore (@RonDMoore) February 7, 2017
.Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!
— Shirt For You (@shirtforyou20) February 7, 2017
I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo #SoSayWeAll https://t.co/wmisRxVixe
— Bear McCreary 🐻🎶 (@bearmccreary) February 7, 2017
Goodbye my friend. See you on the other side. Fuck this hurts. #SoSayWeAll pic.twitter.com/c3nFy0zs4f
— Katee Sackhoff (@kateesackhoff) February 7, 2017
