Richard Hatch, who is best known for playing Captain Apollo in Battlestar Galactica, has died at the age of 71.

The actor died in Los Angeles on Tuesday after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Hatch’s son Paul confirmed the news in a statement on the long-time actor’s website, saying: “He died peacefully with his family and friends at his side after a battle with pancreatic cancer".

The Golden Globe nominee amassed a legion of devoted fans and gained worldwide recognition for playing the role of hotshot Viper spacefighter pilot in the original Battlestar Galactica TV series. He later played Tom Zarek in the mid-noughties reboot.

Hatch garnered an international following among science fiction fans for these roles and was a key figure at Comic-cons and sci-fi forums.

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Born in Santa Monica in California in 1945, Hatch initially wanted to become a pole vaulter. However, he put those aspirations to one side and embarked on a theatrical career in Off-Broadway theatre.

It was after gaining a role on All My Children in 1970 that Hatch began to get steady acting gigs, appearing in Dynasty, The Love Boat, Santa Barbara and then Baywatch.

Hatch is survived by his brother John and his son. Tributes to the actor have poured in from fellow actors and fans 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,” wrote Ronald D Moore, creator of the Battlestar Galactica reboot, on Twitter.

“You made our universe a better place, we love you for it," said Edward James Olmos who starred as William Adama in the reboot.