Richard Hatch starred in both the original version of Battlestar Galactica back in 1978 and also in the reboot that aired in the mid-2000s.
His Battlestar Galactica co-star Dirk Benedict, who also starred as Face in 'The A Team', took to Twitter last night to express his condolences, saying: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard's family, friends, and fans." While Star Trek actor George Takei said: "Rest with the galactic stars."
Also paying tribute, Ronald D. Moore, creator of the Battlestar Galactica reboot, tweeted: "Richard Hatch was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional. His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family."
Richard Hatch also appeared in 'The Streets of San Francisco', 'Dynasty', 'The Love Boat', 'Santa Barbara ', 'Baywatch' and the hugely popular soap 'All My Children'. But it's Battlestar Galactica that he will be most fondly remembered for starring in. In fact, he even wrote a couple of novels based on the sci-fi show.
"In my case, Battlestar Galactica was a milestone. It afforded me the opportunity to live out my childhood dreams and fantasies," Richard once said. "Hurtling through space with reckless abandon, playing the dashing hero, battling Cylons, monsters and super-villains — what more could a man want?"
Richard's son Paul said in a statement last night: “He died peacefully with his family and friends at his side after a battle with pancreatic cancer."
Born May 21, 1945 in Santa Monica, Richard was an actor, writer, and producer. After beginning his career in Off Broadway theatre, in 1970 he joined the cast of 'All My Children' and then went on to become a fixture as a guest star on numerous hit TV series and movie for television, eventually replacing Michael Douglas as Karl Malden‘s partner in 'The Streets of San Francisco'. In 1978 his starring role in 'Battlestar Galactica' brought him worldwide recognition as well as a Golden Globe nomination. “In spite of significant roles in other series and motion pictures over the following decades, his connection with the original Battlestar as well as the remake created an international following among science fiction fans," his son Paul added in his statement. "While continuing his acting career Richard was a popular figure at comic book conventions, science fiction forums and even hosted his own cruise ship events.”