Son announces death from pancreatic cancer of actor who starred in TV science fiction classic as well as appearing in its 21st century reboot

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

The actor Richard Hatch, best known for playing Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica film and TV series, has died aged 71.

After an early role on All My Children in 1971, Hatch worked steadily as an actor, appearing in Dynasty, The Love Boat, Santa Barbara and Baywatch. He also appeared as Tom Zarek in the rebooted Battlestar Galactica TV series from 2004 to 2009.

In a statement on the actor’s website, Hatch’s son Paul confirmed his father’s death on Tuesday in Los Angeles: “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. 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.”

Manager Michael Kaliski said Hatch would be remembered for his youthful wonder, passion for creativity and kind heart.



Actors and creators from the original and rebooted Battlestar Galactica series paid tribute to the actor on Twitter. Ronald D Moore, who developed and executive produced the reboot, said Hatch’s passing was “a heavy blow to the entire BSG family”.



Ronald D. Moore (@RonDMoore) 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) I've told the story how Richard once defended me before a hostile crowd - still remains one of the most selfless acts I've ever witnessed.

Edward James Olmos, who starred as William Adama in the reboot, tweeted “you made our universe a better place, we love you for it”, and Katee Sackhoff, who played Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, posted a photo of herself and the actor.



Edward James Olmos (@edwardjolmos) .Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!

Katee Sackhoff (@kateesackhoff) Goodbye my friend. See you on the other side. Fuck this hurts. #SoSayWeAll pic.twitter.com/c3nFy0zs4f

Tricia Helfer (@trutriciahelfer) We lost a kind and gentle soul today. Hope you're dancing amongst the stars now. RIP Richard pic.twitter.com/w8Ob3tRS9J

Leah Cairns (@LeahCairns) My heart is breaking.Thank you for being a wonderful friend and teacher both in front of and behind the camera. RIP RichardHatch #SSWA ❤️

Nicki Clyne (@nickiclyne) so much light, so much life... Richard was a man of a thousand questions, always curious, always caring... #foreverinourhearts #bsg #family pic.twitter.com/SdJlSWS4VA

Kurt Yaeger (@kurtyaeger) My heart is heavy. My dear friend @thumbfighter passed away. He was a good friend & I was lucky enough to work with him several times #Frak pic.twitter.com/MUYNFwV74o

Hatch appears in the forthcoming film Diminuendo, written and directed by Bryn Pryor and also starring Chloe Dykstra, Leah Cairns, Gigi Edgley and Walter Koenig. On Twitter, Pryor said he wrote the sci-fi drama for Richard “to showcase his incredible talent in a way that had never been seen”.

“He threw himself into the part with bravery and passion, and the results are staggering ... I’m humbled to have held his hand as he slipped away. And I’m privileged to have been his friend.”

Bryn Pryor (@BrynPryor) For my good friend Richard Hatch. RIP, buddy. pic.twitter.com/d12Vo1WgZd

Besides his son Hatch is survived by a brother, John.



