Richard Hatch dead: Star of Battlestar Galactica dies aged 71
RICHARD HATCH, best known for his role in Battlestar Galactica, has died aged 71.
Richard Hatch's starring role in Battlestar Galactica
The actor, who is most known for playing Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica film and TV series, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The star had been in hospice care in Los Angeles and died peacefully with his family and friends around him on Tuesday.
In a statement on Richard’s website, his son Paul confirmed his father’s death: “He died peacefully with his family and friends at his side after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“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.
Richard Hatch has died aged 71 after a battle with pancreatic cancer
The actor is most known for playing Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica earned him a Golden Golden nomination
“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.”
Richard began working in television in 1970 when he starred as Philip Brent in the TV series All My Children and went on to make guest appearances in may primetime shows.
But it was his starring role in 1978 Battlestar Galactica that brought him worldwide recognition and earned him a Golden Golden nomination.
In the 1980s, he made many more appearances on shows such as Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Dynasty.
He even starred in the remake of Battlestar Galactica and made several appearances of Tom Zarek between 2004-2009.
Richard starred in the remake of Battlestar Galactica from 2004
Richard worked up until his death, appearing at Dragon Con in Atlanta last September
The executive producer of the show’s reboot Ronald D. Moore paid tribute to the actor, he said: “Richard Hatch was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional. His passing is a heavy blow to the entire ‘BSG’ family.”
Star Trek's George Takei also paid tribute and tweeted a picture of Richard with the message: “Rest with the galactic stars.”
Edward James Olmos, who starred as William Adama in the reboot wrote: “Richard Hatch, you made our universe a better place, we love you for it."
Richard worked up until his death, appearing at Dragon Con in Atlanta last September to talk about his new sic-film Diminuendo.