Richard Hatch, star of the original “Battlestar Galactica” and the Syfy remake, died on Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his manger confirmed to Variety. He was 71.
Hatch died around 1:30 p.m. at his home in Santa Clarita, Calif., with his son Paul by his side.
“I will always remember him fondly for his inspiring sense of youthful wonder, his boundless passion for creative expression, and his huge, kind heart,” his manager Michael Kaliski told Variety.
Hatch was best known for playing Captain Apollo in the original “Battlestar Galactica” series, which aired from 1978-79, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a television series – drama. He portrayed a different character, Tom Zarek, in the 2003 reimagined series.
After beginning his career Off Broadway, Hatch’s acting career took off after landing a role on the soap opera “All My Children” in 1971. His additional TV credits include guest roles in a number of ’70s and ’80s favorites, including “CHiPs,” “Fantasy Island,” “Dynasty,” “Murder She Wrote,” “The Love Boat,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Baywatch,” and “MacGyver.” He also wrote five original “Battlestar” novels and became a popular fixture at Comic Book and sci-fi events for fans.
“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,” executive producer Ronald D. Moore tweeted. “His passing is a heavy blow to the entire ‘BSG’ family.”
Hatch is survived by his son Paul and a brother, John.
Post your thoughts below in the comment section.
SOURCE: Variety
