Richard Hatch, Battlestar Galactica Actor, Dies at 71

Publish date: 2024-07-23

Richard Hatch, star of the original “Battlestar Galactica” and the Syfy remake, died on Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his manger confirmed to Variety. He was 71.

Hatch died around 1:30 p.m. at his home in Santa Clarita, Calif., with his son Paul by his side.

“I will always remember him fondly for his inspiring sense of youthful wonder, his boundless passion for creative expression, and his huge, kind heart,” his manager Michael Kaliski told Variety.

Hatch was best known for playing Captain Apollo in the original “Battlestar Galactica” series, which aired from 1978-79, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a television series – drama. He portrayed a different character, Tom Zarek, in the 2003 reimagined series.

After beginning his career Off Broadway, Hatch’s acting career took off after landing a role on the soap opera “All My Children” in 1971. His additional TV credits include guest roles in a number of ’70s and ’80s favorites, including “CHiPs,” “Fantasy Island,” “Dynasty,” “Murder She Wrote,” “The Love Boat,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Baywatch,” and “MacGyver.” He also wrote five original “Battlestar” novels and became a popular fixture at Comic Book and sci-fi events for fans.

Related Stories

The Hollywood sign with a hand coming out of the "O" holding a megaphone VIP+

Hollywood’s Next Superhero: Purpose-Led Branding  

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 01: Christopher Ciccone poses for a portrait while promoting his new book "Life With My Sister Madonna" on August 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Christopher Ciccone, Artist and Brother of Madonna, Dies at 63

“Battlestar Galactica” colleagues and friends paid tribute to the actor Tuesday afternoon on social media.

Popular on Variety

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

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

Edward J. Olmos, who played Admiral Adama, also tweeted his condolences, “Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place. We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!”

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

— Shirt For You (@shirtforyou20) February 7, 2017

Bear McCreary, the composer on the show, wrote: “I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo #SoSayWeAll.”

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

Added Katee Sackhoff, who played Starbuck, “Goodbye my friend. See you on the other side. F— this hurts. #SoSayWeAll“

Goodbye my friend. See you on the other side. Fuck this hurts. #SoSayWeAll pic.twitter.com/c3nFy0zs4f

— Katee Sackhoff (@kateesackhoff) February 7, 2017

“So say we all” is an affirmation in the “Battlestar” community, akin to “amen.”

Hatch is survived by his son Paul and a brother, John.

Celebrities Who Died in 2017

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXKDjq2taKaVrMBwvsicn5qqlGK1osDCoWSdnZGZeqOt062jnquklr9us8ClmJysmZiubr%2FTmqlmm5GlwaK1zWaYqaecobxusMieqmZpYmV%2BeoSPcG5yZw%3D%3D