The Legacy of Richard Hatch

On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, we lost our dear friend, our mentor, and our inspiration, Richard Lawrence Hatch, at the age of 71. Richard had a unique gift for connecting with people the world over. He was a shining light in this world and we are better people for having known him and for having our lives touched by his. Many of the friendships we have made were in large part, because Richard brought us together. This will be his legacy. So say we all!

[@chicopico468]

Richard made Apollo real for me, and as a nine year old boy, he and his fellow Battlestar Galactica cast members sparked my imagination. Then moving in 2016 we lost Carrie Fisher, regrettably followed by Richard Hatch, making the universe a much smaller place for me now. Regardless, thank you for the impact you made on my life Richard #SoSayWeAll.

[@BobBelson]

I met Richard and spent a couple full days with him while working a convention 12 years ago. We exchanged numbers since we were into many of the same exercise related stuff and generally hit it off. . But I never got to hang with him again since we lived so far apart . He was a real good guy . Even tempered , great perspective on life and how to live it..Obvious why he had success in his journey here on earth . ..Sorry to hear of his passing. , Condolences to his family , and may God bless them and keep them strong ..

[@mattshoo5130]

Being born in the seventies this brings back so many happy memories...

[@AnabolicMD]

I just heard of Richard's passing. Being only 5 when Galactica first came out, Lieutenant Sheba was my first female love but Captain Apollo was my first hero. RIP Captain! Fly with the angels. Say hi to my parents and tell them I became a physician and pilot.

[@spockospockon6519]

God Bless Richard Hatch (Captain Apollo) and his family I am a sci-if lover and to see him die in his prime hurts I watched all sci-if shows as a kid and Battlestar Galactica was one of my favorites just like Star Trek. I miss the 60's and 70's sci-fi shows.

[@Chanticlair47]

Such a fantastick human being. I loved BG when I was young, every character. Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict and Lorne Greene were magic to me. I am so sad that Richard passed away so young. He should have had a century.

[@topJimmyP1984]

Great man, too bad he never got to do the original BSG series again...RIP.

[@WhoStew]

A great man who touched meny souls in his life. Will be missed

[@WhoStew]

He always had a light around him know he lives in God’s great light forever he will be missed

[@raywu6021]

Wow, only just found out about Richard Hatch's passing. So sad to learn of it more than 10 months after the fact. Loved the original BSG series when it 1st came out. So much to say but not enough space here. RIP Richard. Long live BSG.

[@rh5524]

I loved this actor since i was 5yrs old some people never get the credit they deserve he was one of them i wish a had a chance to meet him he fought for the original battle star galactica and never gave up till the end. He could never b replaced and he never will b. Miss u CAPTAIN APOLLO❤

[@Cathari]

I only just learned of Richard's passing today. It came as shock to me, and truly saddens my soul. He was one of my favorite childhood heroes. As Captain Apollo he taught boys and young men about family, love, sacrifice, duty, respect, courage, and dreams. I used to enjoy playing his part in backyard mock battles against evil Cylon invaders. And who can forget his action figure and the colonial viper toys. As a man in the real world, one need only listen to Richard speak to know he was a good-natured, intelligent, loving, and creative soul. I was always disappointed that his dream of a recreated Battlestar tale never manifested.....except in a warped, politically-correct, adult-oriented way. Perhaps a new generation will bring the struggle of the Galactica back to the screen in ways that would have made Lorne Greene proud. May Richard pass through the heavenly spheres in peace and protection. And may the Divine be with him and his family.

[@Starfield6824]

Cathari Amen

[@Heighway730]

I loved Battlestar Galactica in the 80's. Apollo was COOL.

[@Heighway730]

Yeah Richard Hatch was excellent, both him & Dirk Benedict (Starbuck) made the programme compelling.

[@Cathari]

@@Heighway730 Yeah, I wonder what Dirk is up to these days. Hope he and his family are well.

[@Heighway730]

@@Cathari In the 2000's he was in UK Big Brother, apart from that just don't know. I would love him to a cameo role in the Battlestar Galactica series (just like Richard)

[@OdeeOz]

I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but always enjoyed the way he made acting, 'not acting' in his roles. Sad loss of a great talent. Thank you for sharing this.

[@warlordqueekheadtaker7960]

I'm going to miss you the Real Apollo 😢😢😢😢

[@johncruz6438]

was one of my favorite actors when I was growing up I was 13 years old when battlestar Galactica came out in 1978 I still miss him I wish I met him but unfortunately I didn't but it seemed like I did know him soul and spirit miss you Richard rest in peace my friend.

[@gammaechofoundationproductions]

This brought me to tears! Years ago, I came close to meeting Richard Hatch at a sci-fi convention in Florida, but on that day, we had to put my ex-girlfriend's cat to sleep. I kept hoping that I would meet him after that, but sadly I never will. With any luck, I will meet him in the next life. Thank you, Richard Hatch for so many years of entertainment! I've enjoyed seeing you in various roles. Your range was truly impressive. You were a great actor and person. You will be sorely missed! R.I.P. :(

[@julierubin8029]

Rip Richard hatch awesome actor and very good looking you will be missed

[@dhunter1133]

I've met a lot of actors, but Richard was perhaps the most genuine I've ever met. He was a delightful man.

[@FilmshooterOH]

RIP Richard. Having worked with him on many projects, I shall miss his spirit.

[@tomtagliente1464]

He will be missed terribly Scott. Thank you for your message.

[@Cathari]

Scott, may I ask what projects you refer to? Just curious.

[@FilmshooterOH]

I shot most of Richard's Battlestar revival trailer, his "Great War of Magellan" project and a couple movies he starred in (Iron Thunder and Unseen Evil.) He was joy to work with and gave it his all.

[@Cathari]

Scott, in your opinion, is the original Battlestar concept still capable of revival, or are we going to have to except the more recent version as the foundation of future projects? Do you know what Richard was hoping for...what he still envisioned even after the recent darker series?

[@FilmshooterOH]

I doubt the original Battlestar concept will go again. Richard wanted to update the concept of the original show, but in many ways it would have been close. Alas, the powers that be wanted something different and darker.

[@djm.326]

What a touching tribute... sure loved that show, and look forward to meeting him in the next life someday.

[@WhoStew]

A true man like Richard has has the greatest treasure in the world 🌎 is having menny great friends

[@WhoStew]

Such a great man who gave us hope to fight for what is right he will be missed😭

[@michaelandersonanderson2018]

I just found out Richard had passed away he was a hero of mine i like to think hes up there flying around in his viper rip richard

[@theelderkine]

Rich... I miss you daily, my friend. I’m glad I saved all those insane voicemails going back many years. You still crack me up... Tom, thanks for this.

[@WhoStew]

In God’s light there is no more pain for you are now a part of God walk with God amen

[@VinnechiPetaccioVrOcKsPiT]

Awesome Tribute to,a Legend #SoSayWeAll

[@marlanaedwards5296]

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR LATE RICHARD HATCH! FOREVER APOLLO! (May 21, 2020).

[@andreapatane4204]

R.I.P. Richard Hatch, we'll miss you and your great acting, because I'll always remember you as Detective Dan Robbins on the 5th Season of The Streets Of San Francisco. My mom and I never knew that he made guest starring appearances on The Love Boat more than once. My friend's friend who's a comic book artist did create some comic books and my friend who has a beard, of course DID meet Richard Hatch before he died. How lucky was that?

[@WhoStew]

Truely a great man has earned his wings in heaven

[@damienrecords]

Lovely tribute to a great human being!

[@tomtagliente1464]

Thank you Brian.

[@WhoStew]

The true gift that he gave. To all he touched is wisdom and giving are youth faith to carry on and never give up he will be missed

[@capdavis2002]

A very great pleasure in meeting Apollo at Halcon 2013 in Halifax NS with friends Jim Small and Donald H.

[@captainrobert-usaf-nabneva9997]

May GOD Bless RIchard hatch & Family & Friends - Richard Hatch Will Be Missed But Never Forgotten 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@lynnkanerva5005]

It's Feb 1, 2019, coming up on 2 years since he passed away :-( RIP Richard. ♥ Gone but NOT forgotten.

[@robdcollector2808]

Lynn Kanerva ..i had no idea he died. This is a shockerrrr

[@WhoStew]

He always seen the greatest in all youth that he ever knew a great mentor will be missed but never forgotten you will be missed but you will be in are hearts forever Amen 🙏

[@elmhaven]

Beautiful tribute. Richard seemed like a genuinely good and decent man. Someone you'd be honored to know. May he RIP 🙏

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

He loved people so much. There wasn’t a moment he didn’t enjoy being in the presence of others. really amazing.

[@ade2064]

Rest in Peace Richard x

[@pgrah98]

Love battlestar best series ever great actor

[@Pfirtzer]

God I loved Maren Jensen and her beautiful blue eys.....

[@janettrim7587]

OMG, my mother told me that a time would come, like this. Now I know what she was trying to tell me. I don't think anyone can really be "prepared". It still hurts. That's the miracle of films; we can always watch their work. R I P

[@mioryderoncgnp1589]

i still have an original Battlestar Galactica poster on my wall, i loved the original series as a child also loved the new tv series , a sad goodbye to one of my favorite characters. 😢

[@upengineerbobs]

My wife has a handful of cubits. Guards them with her life.

[@susjf8644]

Richard was a crucial part of my life as a young teenager. Love him forever.❤❤

[@lynnkanerva5005]

Very nice tribute. 12:20 OMG still handsome ! 13:14 just saw this episode of BSG last night-- beautiful. RIP Richard ♥

[@josefinenagy4136]

It is nice to see my photos included.

[@nanzeez7023]

Thanks so much for this tribute to Richard Hatch. His kindness and genuine personality always shined through his performances. Even when he was casted as Tom Zarek you could tell he wasn't that bad. Love and miss you Richard, may you find your Battlestar in the heavens.

[@brodielarson9096]

Rest in peace, Richard Hatch. You will forever be missed.

[@WhoStew]

He was a great mentor to are young that will be missed big time his learning will be seen in the youth that he helped to see their potential for good in this world 🌎 he is with god the greater good

[@WhoStew]

He is with god in his family god bless the great man

[@WhoStew]

He is a angel 👼 in life and know his role is for filled with god forever

[@WhoStew]

God had great plans for him in heaven

[@Axe2GrindKC]

I love this so much, Tom. Thank you for sharing... So Say We ALL

[@tomtagliente1464]

It is my pleasure, John. I miss him very, very much.

[@king39able]

R.I.P I just heard of his passing

[@andreapatane4204]

It happened in February 2017 which was last year. Richard Hatch's cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

[@lawrencehillsman2703]

One day Captain Apollo I will see you on the other side miss you love you God bless your soul😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@GrayNeko]

RIP, Richard Hatch.....So say we all!

[@marciaburns1870]

Thank you Tom his spirit is with me now.

[@marciaburns1870]

Your welcome.

[@christianguenther1276]

He was an excellent character actor, giving Apollo depth, and humanity. He was a kind, loving, and compassionate human being, who always made time for his fans, and loved listening to their stories on how BSG influenced their daily lives. He will sadly be missed, but we can rest in the knowledge that Apollo's greater mission in the cosmos has just begun. R.I.P Richard. May all the Lords of Kobol guide you safely on your next journey.

[@draygo1766]

I'm 5 years late to this. It was me & my brother one night in 1978 watching TV when a trailer of an Alien ship flying over a city with laser beams. I don't remember the trailer with a heading, no narration. It just played a short scene then went to another commercial. Me and my brother stayed up till like 3am to see if it came back on again. Later we found out the name, Battlestar Galactica. Me and my Family became Fans. Richard Hatch, Lorne Green & Dirk benedict were the Familiar faces BSG. R.I.P. Sir Richard Hatch. Memories will go on.

[@mariegiovannacci1185]

J ais adoré galactica le feuilleton avec Richard Hatch. C était un merveilleux acteur. Repose en paix Apollo. Mj.

[@kallikantzaros4444]

R.I.P Richard thank you for bringing the hope to us that we're not alone in this universe! .

[@DarleneDeCicco]

just found out Richard died. Loved him so much too bad but a great guy and extremely handsome man rip

[@andreapatane4204]

He was also quite dreamy in the old days of making appearances on TV. I'm sorry to hear that he died, but everyone has to go sometime.

[@marlanaedwards5296]

Happy 76th Birthday to Richard Hatch! Forever Apollo! (May 21, 2021). We will love & remember you always! You will always be Apollo in the our eyes.

[@Noex63]

Growing up in the 70's... he was there... Captain Apollo... a hero and an an icon

[@xenofett7008]

So bummed I never got to meet Richard. I was around 5 when BSG aired on TV back in 1978. I've always been fond of the original BSG, especially the 3 hour pilot episode.

[@chapicenice39]

I met Richard Hatch during the filming of a Star Trek Fan film, Star Trek New Voyages. I had Dinner with him, What a great Actor but I found him to be very down to earth, No tat all the stereo type holly wood personality. I know he wanted to re-boot Battle Star but he died before that became a reality. I will miss him greatly.

[@stevenbaer5999]

I grew up in the 1978 watching Battlestar Galactica came out. Richard Hatch who played as Captain Apollo a great and wonderful warrior. Rest in Peace Captain Apollo.

[@avantgarde7956]

Richard is the what the best of Humanity represents. His legacy will live on in our hearts and minds! We love and miss you Apollo!

[@dominoscatnip5922]

I was 13-15when I met him at wizard world chicago (27 now) he was the kindest, most relaxed actor I've ever had the privilege of meeting. He held a 15 minute conversation with my dad and I and he was genuinely interested in the conversation and was just absolutely upstanding. He asked me if I watched Battlestar and I told him the original Battlestar Galactica is one of my favorite shows and that apollo was my idol. I didn't watch the newer show at the time because I was a fan of the original and he cheerfully suggested I check it out because it's a great sci-fi and he said to me "I'm in it too" haha. On my autograph he wrote "Shoot for the stars". Was the best experience I could've possibly had with a childhood idol. Now I'm working on my own productions as an adult, aspiring to make my own movies and tv shows and it saddens me that I will never have the chance to work with him, as by sheer luck it would've been great to have brought this story up to him and how it inspired me. R.I.P. sir. I'm still shooting for the stars. It's really comforting to know that you're among them now.

[@tomtagliente1464]

That's wonderful! I love your story. Keep it close to your heart.

[@brianbelknap5650]

Very great actor. He will be missed

[@1211terrier]

Incredible handsome. As a teenager he was my favorite. I had a huge picture of him at the end of my bed, even in the pocket of my calculator 😂. Wanted to be an astronout for a long time. He was a gentle and intelligent man I think. Zo RIP up there with the angels, and thank you so much for your legacy!

[@1211terrier]

...was my inspiration to work with people with neurological problems 😀. When I heard about his death I was sad. He was a gentle and intelligent man I think. And he'll be missed ❤️ thanks mr Hatch.

[@animeFAN00111]

Tom, did you know that he came to my hometown of Tacoma, Washington? He was doing a screening of Battlestar Galactica or something at the Blue Mouse Theater in the Proctor District here.

[@tomtagliente1464]

I did not know that. But, his love for BATTLESTAR GALACTICA was very strong. He believed in the story so much. If it were not for him, the new series would never have been made.

[@animeFAN00111]

I personally like the original series better than the new one because there was an element of camp that I enjoyed but if it weren't for Richard Hatch I would not have even given the reboot a chance.

[@chattjedi]

He was such a great person and enjoyed talking with him at dragoncon every year

[@lindaoneil5085]

Rest in peace, dearest Captain Apollo. We hope to see you on the Ship of Lights, someday.........

[@georginacrespo1987]

Descansa en paz RICHART 🌺 una admiradora española 🇪🇸

[@dereklogan9500]

Im heart broken that he pass away im a bigger fan of bsg Richard hatch you be miss he die of the day of the super bowl of the year 2017 i can't believe Richard hatch is gone he was a great man he is the reason i fell in love with bsg in the first place

[@robdcollector2808]

Derek Logan ...2019 and had no idea he died. I have his autograph from battlestar galactica

[@josenavas9968]

It a tribute to his person that he is remembered and cared about to this day.

[@APACHE888able]

Travel Well Brother… I do remember one of my dreams back to 2008 when I was onboard a Amazing Spacecraft then you come with a kind of communicator device in hands told me to prepare for Jumping into the Multiverses… Thank you so much for all your Gifts of Being Yourself now even Better…and Better… Walk in Beauty…and Appreciation…

[@starquant]

Richards star rose so abruptly with the release with BSG and he had a firm fan base.... what happened after that, that caused him to drop into obscurity?.

[@Great_America]

Damn - only 72 years old. May the Lords of Kobol light the way Rest In Peace Richard🙏

[@Nabiha729]

Superman and Apollo (Richard hatch) are my fav characters of all time !! To me there the same ❤ May Rao an The lords of Kobal be with you Apollo you inspire me

[@williamhealey6862]

He was a great actor. I wish I knew him personally. His love for BSG made me love it even more.

[@dwaynegalvin8799]

Loved him as Appollo, but it was his portrayal of Jan Berry that really got me!

[@zt1053]

I can't believe Rodenberry or Rick Berman never asked him to do a guest spot on Star Trek TNG, DS9, or voyager.

[@wojathome]

Damn you Big C! :-(

[@lawrencehillsman2703]

I miss you Captain Apollo rest in peace ❤😢

[@Gamble661]

Just found this tribute; Richard Hatch will always be Apollo to me and will always represent the ideals that the original BSG did; faith, family and loyalty. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I've never heard anyone speak ill of him which says a lot in Hollywood. The tweets from all the actors on the new BSG were great, especially liked Katee Sackoff's message. I would have liked to have seen something from the actors from the original series though; Dirk Benedict, Laurette Spang, etc. They were noticeably absent. RIP Richard Hatch.

[@daron6616]

RIP Captain Apollo. I hope one day someone finishes what you started with an original BSG Sequel series that you envisioned.

[@JENDALL714]

What you are now, he once was, what he is now, you may become!

[@CaminoAir]

A talented actor who didn't have much luck during his career. Should have had a bigger career. 'Streets of San Francisco' and 'Battlestar Galactica' were cancelled during his run with the shows. Definitely deserved better. RIP.

[@rebeccabernard5013]

I only knew of Him as an actor playing Wade Walton on the Waltons the great grandson of Martha Corrine Walton played by actress Beulah Bondi...R.I.P.

[@davidusler4956]

I love the original Battlestar Galactica. Richard hatch was by far the best Apollo

[@jb7591]

Saw him in. Sydney, Australia 1998 at a convention. What we call a fair dinkum bloke.

[@dereklogan9500]

Richard you will be miss im a huge fan of battle Battlestar Galactica you you're passing caught me by surprise i will see you in heaver

[@WhoStew]

Awwwa a lucky kitten

[@colleenmueller9936]

Apollo❤️

[@ronaldbryant1299]

I remember Richard Hatch playing Inspector Dan Robbins on the Streets Of San Francisco when he replaced Michael Douglas to be Karl Malden's new partner before Galactica

[@georginacrespo1987]

😔😔

[@rondougherty5481]

love the show when it come out better than 1980 version and the reboot ABC was crazy cancelled it out

[@luisapriolo2316]

Ti avrei voluto conoscere mi hanno detto che eri una persona stupenda ricordo che in ogni TF da piccola che facevi adoravo per me rimarrai per sempre capitan Apollo un giorno vorrò incontrarti lassù fra le stelle

[@derrickthompson4146]

I can honestly say that I held his Captain Apollo up there with Jim Kirk, Buck Rogers, Han Solo, and even one of my favorite historical figures, Maj. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington-(Played by Robert Conrad). In fact, without any of them, there would be no Maj. Rick Hunt. Who is that you ask? Look on Amazon, eBay or Kindle Direct Publishing and look up 'Rebels of the Realm by E. Sterling Brown. You'll see. And I especially thank all of them for what they've meant to me. Above all, thank you Richard Hatch. In my heart, you will always be my Captain Apollo and I'd fly with you anywhere or anytime. RIP and the Lords of Kobol bless and preserve your memory in our hearts.

[@jonathangoode546]

CBS better let Axannar get on KZbin now or. Be haunted forever RICHARD HATCH PLAYS A KLINGON . in this new Star Trek series. And he’s really good in that role ..REST IN PARADISE MR. HATCH .

[@juliekelly6785]

I wanted to marry him when I was a little girl ♡♡devestated he died so young :(

[@cathyskywalker77]

Me too

[@z.z3925]

No body life guanteed

[@williammay5300]

Ronald D. Moore's Battlestar Galactica is awful... Classic Battlestar Galactica 1978 will be superior.. Richard Hatch as Captain Apollo made it awesome!!