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Battlestar Galactica star Richard Hatch has died aged 71.

Hatch starred as Captain Apollo in the original 1978 series, and was a fervent proponent of the show’s return, going so far as to produce his own sequel – for which he was happy to invite journalists, including myself, to view at his home – and co-write a collection of novels featuring the characters, before Ronald D. Moore’s reinvention of Battlestar Galactica for the then Sci-Fi Channel in 2003. He then played the role of Tom Zarek on that show to great acclaim. He continued to promote the series – speaking to SFB in November 2014 for the Blu-ray release of the original show – and give acting classes until not long before his illness.

Galactica was just part of a long career, which included long running roles in The Streets of San Francisco and Dynasty. He also appeared in the Prelude to Axanar short film.

Tributes have been played to Hatch, including from Ronald D. Moore who 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.”, and reboot star Edward James Olmos: “Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend”