Richard Hatch, ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Star, Dead At 71

Richard Hatch, best known for his work as Captain Apollo on the original Battlestar Galactica TV series, has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.

RICHARD HATCH: DEAD AT 71

A rep for the actor confirmed the death on Tuesday in L.A. Hatch’s son Paul Hatch and manager Michael Kaliski were with him.

Hatch was born in 1945 and began his career in off-Broadway theater. His first television role came in 1971 on All My Children, and he continued to pick up steady work following that. He had parts in CHiPs, The Streets of San Francisco, Dynasty, Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat and Santa Barbara.

The actor landed his starring role as Capt. Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica, which ran from 1978-1979, and picked up a Golden Globe nomination for his work. He returned to the world in the rebooted version as Tom Zarek from 2004 to 2009. Hatch also penned five Battlestar novels.

“Richard Hatch was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional” wrote Battlestar executive producer Ronald D. Moore in a tweet. “His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family.”

“You made out universe a better place We love you for it,” said co-star Edward James Olmos, who played Admiral Adama. “Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!”

The show’s music composer Bear McCreary also tweeted out his condolences: “I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo #SoSayWeAll.”