In Memoriam: Rest in peace

Hatch got his start with the Los Angeles Repertory Theater as well as shows in Chicago and off Broadway before moving to the silver screen, where he debuted in 1971 on “All My Children.”

His first major role came in “The Streets of San Francisco” as Inspector Dan Robbins in 1976, the final season of the detective show.

But his most famous part was Captain Apollo in the 1978 “Battlestar Galactica” TV show, a role for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Over the years, Hatch also made guest appearances on shows including “The Waltons,” “Hawaii Five-O” and “Baywatch.”

He also spent much of his later career attempting to revive “Battlestar Galactica,” including novels based on the series.

Hatch even went as far as to write, co-direct and produce a trailer for a spinoff called “The Second Coming,” but Universal Studios rejected his pitch.

Instead, the studio ordered a remake from Ronald D. Moore in which Hatch played Tom Zarek, a terrorist-turned-politician, for 22 episodes over the show’s four-season run.

“Richard Hatch was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional,” Moore tweeted after the news broke. “His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family.”

“Richard Hatch, you made our universe a better place,” wrote Edward James Olmos, who starred in the reboot. “We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend. So Say We All.”

“I share tragic news with a heavy heart,” wrote composer Bear McCreary, who broke the news. “Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo.”

“R.I.P. Richard Hatch. Thank you for all your kindness and advice over the years,” wrote “Galacticast” actress Casey McKinnon. “We'll miss you."