Richard Hatch, the actor best known for the original Battlestar Galactica film and TV series, has died. He was 71.

The actor, who played Captain Apollo in the sci-fi classic as well as Tom Zarek in the rebooted Battlestar Galactica TV series, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer, Hatch's son Paul said on Tuesday.

“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," Paul said in a statement on the actor’s website.

"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.”