Richard Hatch, who played Captain Apollo on the 1970s sci-fi television series “Battlestar Galactica,” has died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.
The actor’s numerous other credits included “Dynasty,” “Hotel,” “The Love Boat” and “Santa Barbara.”
“Richard Hatch passed today around 1:30 p.m. after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His son Paul was by his side in a home in Santa Clarita. He is also survived by his brother John,” his personal manager Michael Kaliski confirmed in a statement to TheWrap Tuesday afternoon.
“I will always remember him fondly for his inspiring sense of youthful wonder, his boundless passion for creative expression, and his huge, kind heart,” Kaliski added.
Also Read: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2017 (Photos)
Born in 1945 in Santa Monica, Califonia, began his acting career with the Los Angeles Repertory Theater, moving into television in 1970 after landing the role of Philip Brent in the soap opera “All My Children.” Subsequent credits included guest appearances on “Cannon,” “Barnaby Jones” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
Hatch was probably best known, however, for his role as Captain Apollo on “Battlestar Galactica,” which ran during the 1978-1979 season on ABC. Hatch starred alongside Lorne Greene and Dirk Benedict in a story about a fugitive fleet of ships seeking a new home after being defeated in a 1,00-year war with warrior robots called the Cylons.
Also Read: 'Magnum, P.I.,' 'Battlestar Galactica' Creator Glen A. Larson, Dead at 77
Hatch also appeared in the 2004 reboot of the series, as Tom Zarek.
Ronald D. Moore, who developed the reboot, remembered Hatch as “a gracious man.”
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 was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional,” Moore tweeted Tuesday. “His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family.”
“Battlestar Galactica” composer Bear McCreary offered his own remembrance, writing: “I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo,” the composer wrote.
Also Read: 'Battlestar Galactica' Star Tricia Helfer Returning to Space for Syfy's 'Ascension'
I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo #SoSayWeAll https://t.co/wmisRxVixe
– Bear McCreary (@bearmccreary) February 7, 2017
I will have more to say about Richard Hatch and what he meant to my life and career. But for now, I’m still processing all this…
– Bear McCreary (@bearmccreary) February 7, 2017
McCreary added, “I will have more to say about Richard Hatch and what he meant to my life and career. But for now, I’m still processing all this…”
Such a beautiful soul, fantastic artist and passionate man. Till we meet again my friend. https://t.co/XD37rLFFkt
– Tahmoh Penikett (@TahmohPenikett) February 7, 2017
Tahmoh Penikett, who played Capt. Karl Agathon on the reboot, offered, “Such a beautiful soul, fantastic artist and passionate man. Till we meet again my friend.”
“Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it,” tweeted Edward James Olmos, who also starred on the “Battlestar Galactica” reboot. “Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!”
Related stories from TheWrap:
Frank Pellegrino, 'Sopranos' and 'Goodfellas' Actor, Dies at 72
John Hurt, Star of 'Alien' and 'Harry Potter,' Dies at 77
Mike Connors, 'Mannix' Star, Dies at 91