By Travis Johnson
Actor Richard Hatch has passed away at the age of 71, following what has been described as a prolonged illness.
Hatch’s career began in 1971 with a tour of duty on the long-running soap, All My children, but he remains best known for his long association with the science fiction franchise, Battlestar Galactica. He played the heroic pilot Apollo on the original 1978 series, and also had a recurring role on Ronald D. Moore’s critically acclaimed reimagining as political dissident/terrorist Tom Zarek.
In the interim, Hatch was a vocal proponent for the revival of the property, producing an unofficial trailer called The Second Coming in an attempt to convince rights holders Universal to mount a sequel production, and also authoring a number of Battlestar Galactica novels.
Hatch’s BSG colleagues took to Twitter to voice their bereavement.
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!
— Shirt For You (@shirtforyou20) February 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/bearmccreary/status/829097804232396800
So sorry to hear the news of Battlestar's Richard Hatch. A terrible loss.
— Jane Espenson (@JaneEspenson) February 7, 2017
Hatch is survived by a son, Paul.
