Richard Hatch is best known for his iconic role as Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica (1978), but his career extends far beyond the confines of a single character. Born on May 21, 1945, in Santa Monica, California, Hatch was an American actor, writer, and producer who left an indelible mark on science fiction and television. His talent for portraying complex characters and his dedication to expanding the stories he loved made him a beloved figure not only in Hollywood but also in the fan communities that followed his work.
Hatch’s life and career encompassed much more than just Battlestar Galactica, though the series was undoubtedly a central part of his professional identity. Over several decades, Hatch continued to work on television, in film, and as a writer, becoming one of the few actors to seamlessly bridge the gap between the original and rebooted versions of Battlestar Galactica. His commitment to the series, along with his passion for acting and storytelling, turned him into a cherished figure in the sci-fi genre.
Early Life and Beginnings in Acting
Richard Lawrence Hatch grew up in Los Angeles, California, a city famous for its ties to the entertainment industry. Despite being surrounded by the glitz of Hollywood, Hatch’s early ambitions were not centered around acting. Initially, he dreamed of becoming an athlete, specifically a pole vaulter. However, a serious injury during his college years ended his athletic aspirations, forcing him to rethink his future.
During his time at Los Angeles Harbor College, Hatch found himself drawn to the world of acting and drama. His passion for performance led him to participate in various college theater productions, sparking a new path for him. With a newfound sense of direction, Hatch moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally. He began his career on the stage, performing in Off-Broadway productions, which helped him hone his craft and develop the emotional depth that would become a hallmark of his on-screen performances.
Early Television Roles: All My Children and The Streets of San Francisco
Richard Hatch’s early television career took off in the early 1970s when he landed the role of Philip Brent on the popular daytime soap opera All My Children. Hatch played the character from 1970 to 1972, and his performance as the troubled young doctor won him critical praise. His success on the soap opera opened the door for more significant television roles, setting the stage for his later career.
In 1976, Hatch replaced Michael Douglas on the hit crime drama The Streets of San Francisco, taking on the role of Inspector Dan Robbins. His two-year stint on the show alongside Karl Malden proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Hatch’s portrayal of the ambitious and determined detective helped solidify his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling action-packed roles with emotional gravitas.
Despite his success on The Streets of San Francisco, Hatch would find his most enduring role just a couple of years later when he joined the cast of a new science fiction series that would change his career—and the genre—forever.
Battlestar Galactica (1978): Becoming a Sci-Fi Legend
The defining moment of Richard Hatch’s career came in 1978 when he was cast as Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica television series. Created by Glen A. Larson, the series followed the last remnants of humanity as they fled the relentless robotic Cylons in search of the fabled planet Earth. Hatch’s character, Captain Apollo, was the heroic Viper pilot who became one of the key leaders in the fight for humanity’s survival. As the son of Commander Adama (played by Lorne Greene), Apollo was the heart of the series—brave, principled, and morally upstanding.
Hatch’s portrayal of Apollo resonated deeply with fans, establishing him as a sci-fi icon. The character embodied a sense of duty, loyalty, and honor that made him relatable and beloved by audiences. His ability to bring emotional depth to the role, especially in the face of tremendous personal loss and ongoing struggles, set him apart from other action-oriented characters of the time.
Although the original Battlestar Galactica only aired for one season from 1978 to 1979, it gained a devoted fanbase that helped the series live on in syndication, reruns, and eventually in the form of a reboot. Hatch’s role as Apollo became one of the most iconic characters in science fiction television, and he would forever be associated with the series.
Expanding the Battlestar Galactica Universe
Richard Hatch’s love for Battlestar Galactica didn’t end when the original series was canceled. In fact, he became a champion for reviving the series throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Hatch wrote several novels set in the Battlestar Galactica universe, exploring new stories and expanding on the characters and lore from the original show. Some of his most notable novels include Armageddon, Resurrection, and Rebellion, which continued the story of the original characters, particularly Apollo, and the struggle for survival against the Cylons.
In addition to his writing, Hatch produced a fan film called Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming, a short trailer-like project meant to serve as a pitch for a potential new series or film. The project, produced in 1999, showcased Hatch’s dedication to continuing the story of Battlestar Galactica. While it didn’t lead directly to a new series, it proved Hatch’s enduring passion for the franchise and his deep connection to its fans.
Role in the Battlestar Galactica Reboot (2003)
In 2003, Battlestar Galactica was rebooted by Ronald D. Moore, and this version of the series took on a much darker and more politically charged tone. The rebooted series was a critical and commercial success, introducing a new generation of viewers to the struggle between humanity and the Cylons. Although the new version of Battlestar Galactica reimagined many elements of the original, it maintained its thematic core of survival, faith, and the search for Earth.
Despite being initially skeptical about the reboot, Richard Hatch embraced the new vision of the series and became part of it. In a brilliant casting move, Hatch was given the role of Tom Zarek, a former terrorist turned political leader. Zarek was a morally ambiguous character, vastly different from the noble Captain Apollo. Yet, Hatch’s portrayal of Zarek was critically acclaimed and added a complex, layered dimension to the new series. His performance earned him praise from both fans of the original and new viewers alike, proving Hatch’s versatility as an actor.
By participating in both the original series and the reboot, Richard Hatch created a rare legacy as an actor who successfully transitioned between two versions of the same iconic franchise. His dedication to the Battlestar Galacticauniverse, both on-screen and off-screen, helped bridge the gap between the two generations of the show.
Beyond Battlestar Galactica
While Battlestar Galactica defined much of Richard Hatch’s career, he worked on numerous other television and film projects throughout his life. He appeared in guest roles on popular TV shows like Dynasty, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote, further showcasing his range as an actor. Hatch also had roles in films like Prisoners of the Lost Universe(1983) and The Ghost (2001).
In addition to acting, Hatch was a passionate teacher and motivational speaker. He taught acting workshops and seminars, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring actors. His personal philosophy on life and acting was built around perseverance, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s passion—values that he embodied throughout his career.
Legacy and Impact
Richard Hatch passed away on February 7, 2017, at the age of 71, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in science fiction television. His portrayal of Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica and Tom Zarek in the reboot solidified his place as a sci-fi legend. Hatch’s passion for storytelling, his dedication to the Battlestar Galactica universe, and his ability to connect with fans made him an enduring figure in the genre.
Beyond his acting career, Hatch’s contributions as a writer, producer, and teacher demonstrate his commitment to the craft of storytelling. He will forever be remembered as an actor who not only played iconic roles but also helped shape the worlds in which those characters lived.
Richard Hatch’s work continues to inspire science fiction fans and actors alike, reminding us of the power of dedication, creativity, and the timeless appeal of great storytelling.