Richard Hatch
Learn about the life and career of Richard Lawrence Hatch (May 21, 1945 – February 7, 2017): from Battlestar Galactica stardom to later roles, writing, and his enduring influence in television and sci-fi culture.
Introduction
Richard Hatch was an American actor, writer, and producer best known for his iconic role as Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica (1978–79), and later for playing Tom Zarek in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009). Over his nearly five decades in show business, he navigated television, stage, film, and even authorship — always with a passion for the science-fiction and fan communities that embraced him.
His story is one of ambition, reinvention, loyalty to a beloved franchise, and persistence in an often volatile industry.
Early Life & Background
Richard Lawrence Hatch was born on May 21, 1945 in Santa Monica, California. John Raymond Hatch and Elizabeth Hatch (née White).
From a young age, Hatch had interests in the arts. As a child he studied classical piano — reportedly from about age eight — indicating an early inclination toward performance.
In high school, he showed athletic promise (he had aspirations in pole vaulting) but also an introspective side. His pathway to acting was not immediate; early insecurities about self-expression delayed his pursuit of performance.
During college, he was enrolled in courses that involved oral interpretation and public speaking. A pivotal moment came with the assassination of President Kennedy (1963): Hatch later recalled that reading an article about Kennedy in a class triggered deep emotional reaction, breaking through his reticence and nudging him toward acting.
He attended Harbor College in San Pedro, California, before moving to New York in 1967 to pursue stage work.
Career & Major Works
Theatre Beginnings & Early Acting
Hatch began his career on stage, working in repertory theater in Los Angeles and Chicago, and also participating in Off-Broadway productions once he moved to New York.
In his Off-Broadway years, he won an Obie Award for his performance in Your Cat Is Dead. This recognition affirmed his dramatic abilities and helped open doors to television roles.
Transition to Television
Hatch’s television debut came in 1970 when he joined the cast of the daytime soap opera All My Children as Philip Brent — a role he played for about two years. Cannon, The Waltons, The Rookies, Barnaby Jones, Hawaii Five-O, and others.
In 1976, Hatch landed a more substantial TV role: he replaced Michael Douglas as Inspector Dan Robbins on The Streets of San Francisco.
Breakthrough: Battlestar Galactica
His most renowned role came in 1978, when he was cast as Captain Apollo in Glen A. Larson’s Battlestar Galactica.
Hatch was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in Battlestar Galactica.
He also fought for—and did not relinquish—creative rights and merchandise participation. His insistence on compensation in merchandising reportedly led to some conflict with toy companies; as a result, his character was initially excluded from the toyline.
Later Television & Revival
Over the years, Hatch guest-starred on many series: Hotel, Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Dynasty, MacGyver, and more.
In 1990, he returned to daytime soaps, joining Santa Barbara as Steven Slade.
Hatch was deeply dedicated to Battlestar Galactica mythology. In 1999, he co-wrote, co-directed, and acted in a fan trailer titled Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming, intending to revive the original storyline.
When the franchise was rebooted in 2004, Hatch joined the cast of the new Battlestar Galactica, not as Apollo but as Tom Zarek, a morally ambiguous political figure.
Hatch viewed Zarek not as a villain but as a character born of political frustration, believing his motivations were principled even if his methods were extreme.
Film & Other Projects
Hatch’s film credits are fewer but include roles in Best Friends (1975), Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen (1981), Prisoners of the Lost Universe (1983), Party Line (1988), Second Chance (1996), and more.
His final film performance was in Diminuendo, completed shortly before his death.
Beyond acting, Hatch authored several tie-in novels for Battlestar Galactica, contributing to the expanded lore of the franchise.
He also developed other creative projects such as The Great War of Magellan, a space opera, and participated in fan and convention circuits.
Personality, Motives & Challenges
Hatch was deeply passionate about Battlestar Galactica and its universe. His loyalty to the property shaped much of his career: pushing for its revival, writing lore, and maintaining fan relationships.
He balanced acting with writing and producing, seeking control over his creative contributions.
At times, he encountered setbacks: financial risk (e.g. funding the revival trailer himself), critical reception, and the challenge of being strongly associated with a single iconic role.
Despite those challenges, he remained resilient. His return in the rebooted Battlestar as a completely distinct character showed adaptability and willingness to reinvent.
Legacy & Impact
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Sci-fi Icon: Hatch’s portrayal of Apollo is a touchstone for classic science-fiction TV fandom. His deep involvement in Battlestar lore and conventions solidified his status in the genre community.
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Cross-Generational Bridge: By participating in both the original and the reimagined Battlestar Galactica, Hatch bridged different eras of fans and television narrative styles.
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Fan Engagement: His active participation with fans, conventions, and his own creative efforts (trailers, novels) demonstrated how actors can engage more fully with the worlds they help create.
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Persistence: His willingness to take creative risks (even personal financial ones) spoke of his commitment to his craft and his love of the stories he worked in.
Though he may never have become a mainstream Hollywood household name beyond Galactica, in his niche and in the hearts of sci-fi fans, Richard Hatch’s presence and contributions endure.
Memorable Quotes & Reflections
While Hatch was better known for acting than quotable lines, a few reflections on his career and character stand out:
On playing Zarek: “I never played him as a villain … I saw him as someone blocked at every turn.”
Regarding his commitment to Galactica: Hatch once remarked that the show, its mythology, and the fans had become his life — he poured himself into its preservation and expansion.
Such remarks highlight his identification with his art and his desire to transcend being just an actor in a role.
Key Lessons & Takeaways
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Ownership and passion matter
Hatch’s deep commitment to Battlestar Galactica — including writing, producing, and promoting its lore — shows the power of owning one’s creative domain. -
Iconic roles are double-edged
While Captain Apollo brought him fame, it also risked typecasting. His later work showed an effort to expand his range and redefine his identity. -
Reinvention is possible
Playing Tom Zarek in the reboot demonstrated his willingness to shift from hero to morally complex figure, staying relevant across decades. -
Fan culture can be a partner
Hatch’s active engagement with fans (conventions, novels, promotional trailers) illustrated the value of reciprocating respect between creators and audiences. -
Risk and reward coexist
His personal investment (financial and emotional) in reviving Galactica was risky but sincere — a reminder that passion projects sometimes require sacrifice.
Conclusion
Richard Hatch’s life embodies both the promise and perils of genre acting: achieving deep fan legacy through a defining role yet continually striving to expand beyond it. His contributions to Battlestar Galactica lore, participation in both original and rebooted series, and his dedication to fans mark him as more than an actor — he was a steward of a mythos.
He passed away on February 7, 2017, from pancreatic cancer in Los Angeles at the age of 71. His memory lives on in the stories, episodes, books, and hearts of fans who continue to explore space, survival, and the human spirit.