Richard Hatch, best known for his role as Captain Apollo in 1978's "Battlestar Galactica," has died at age 71. As first reported by Bleeding Cool and later by multiple outlets including the New York Daily News, the actor passed away after an extended illness.

Hatch returned to the "Battlestar Galactica" franchise when it relaunched in 2004, that time playing Tom Zarek. He also appeared in "All My Children" and "The Hatfields and McCoys," among other works. He regularly guest starred in television series like "Murder, She Wrote," "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," "Hawaii Five-O” and “Baywatch.”

In 1979, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Television Series for his work on "Battlestar Galactica." He went on to win the Indie Series Awards for Best Guest Actor for "Pairings" in 2015 and received the Zed Fest Film Festival honor with Vernon Wells for "The Pod" in 2014.

Ronald D. Moore, who helmed the 2004 "Battlestar Galactica" reboot, offered his condolences on Twitter:

Richard Hatch was a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional. His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family.

— Ronald D. Moore (@RonDMoore) February 7, 2017

Hatch's "Battlestar Galactica" co-star Edward James Olmos also Tweeted his sympathies, writing,

.Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend @SoSayWeAll the Admiral!

— Edward James Olmos (@edwardjolmos) February 7, 2017

Additionally, Bear McCreary -- who composed the series' music -- Tweeted:

I share tragic news with a heavy heart. Richard Hatch is no longer with us. Goodbye Tom Zarek / Apollo #SoSayWeAll https://t.co/wmisRxVixe

— Bear McCreary (@bearmccreary) February 7, 2017

As he attempted to revive "Battlestar Galactica" on screen, Hatch also co-authored several books in the franchise, including "Battlestar Galactica: Armageddon," "Battlestar Galactica: Warhawk," "Battlestar Galactica: Resurrection," "Battlestar Galactica: Rebellion" and "Battlestar Galactica: Paradise."

Hatch leaves behind a son, Paul.