Richard Hatch, who starred on both the original and re-imagined “Battlestar Galactica” TV series, has died of pancreatic cancer, TMZ reports. He was 71.
Hatch played Captain Apollo from 1978-1979 in 21 episodes of the original “Battlestar,” as well as in the 1979 movie. (As People noted, he received a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination for his TV role on BSG in 1979). He also played Tom Zarek from 2004-2009 in 22 episodes of the BSG reboot. Between the two, he was in everything else — several episodes of “Santa Barbara” and “Dynasty” and about 100 other projects. He seems to have worked right up to his passing, with IMDb listing several titles as completed or in post-production, waiting for release.
Fans and colleagues mourned their departed captain after news of Hatch’s death was released Tuesday night:
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) February 7, 2017
.Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!
— Edward James Olmos (@edwardjolmos) February 7, 2017
Goodnight Captain Apollo. R.I.P Richard Hatch #BattlestarGalactica #RichardHatch pic.twitter.com/oOzBDcWI9i
— Sci-Fi Explosion (@scifiexplosion) February 7, 2017
RIP Richard Hatch aka Apollo and Tom Zarek in #BattlestarGalactica …he will be missed. So say we all! pic.twitter.com/bJiVCLpSYv
— NerdMost (@nerdmost) February 7, 2017
R.I.P Richard Hatch. Apollo / Tom Sarek in #BattlestarGalactica #RIPApollo pic.twitter.com/FYQBzQMQzg
— Jason Hood (@rail_pics) February 8, 2017
We are so sad to hear about the passing of #BattlestarGalactica‘s original Captain Apollo, Richard Hatch. RIP, so say we all. pic.twitter.com/5xpv9Ry8P8
— Nerdist (@nerdist) February 7, 2017
“If I ever pass away, I just hope people don’t confuse me with the naked guy from Survivor.” – Richard Hatch #BattlestarGalactica #RIP #tmz pic.twitter.com/zdVTIxHd0F
— Brushing Off (@BrushingOff) February 8, 2017
Richard Hatch, May 21st, 1945 – February 7th, 2017, a man devoted to his ship in all its forms #BSG #BattlestarGalactica #RIP #scifi pic.twitter.com/hbAI8Art0S
— GEEKchocolate (@GeekChocolate) February 7, 2017
You provided a great number of people an escape into a world beyond the stars. Thank you, Richard Hatch. #BattlestarGalactica pic.twitter.com/d8Wtfdrget
— Steven Oz (@MXAGhost) February 8, 2017
Yes, please don’t confuse this Richard Hatch with the guy from “Survivor.” According to TMZ, this Hatch entered hospice care a few weeks ago as he battled pancreatic cancer. People says he is survived by his son, Paul Michael Hatch.
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