RIP Richard Hatch (Apollo)
Frak! Frak! Frak! I just learned that Richard Hatch passed away today and I am shocked. He was so full of life and energy when I saw him at DragonCon this past September. From what I understand he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away fairly sudden. Frak cancer! Stop taking so many people I love and admire.
I first noticed Richard Hatch through his role in the Battlestar Galactica reboot. I really enjoyed his character and thought he had an incredible presence but that was all. It wasn’t until I heard him speak during a panel at DragonCon that I became smitten. I had gone to a panel mostly for everyone else on the roster but Richard Hatch spoke so eloquently and passionately that I left the panel fangirling about how awesome he was. He was an actor, but he was also a teacher and you could tell. Everything he discussed he discussed with great care, thought and openness.
I introduced myself to him later that day while he was sitting at his table eating a sandwich. I talked to him about the things he’d said in his panel and complimented him on being so well and passionately spoken. He was delightful. He was a DragonCon staple so from that year onwards Karl and I always made it a point to see at least one of his panels each year and we began following his projects. This past September I got lucky and ran into him as I was stepping off an elevator in the Marriott. I was so delighted to see him that I stepped forward and asked if I could hug him. I told him he’s awesome and that I love him as I hugged him and he told me I was sweet. It was a wonderful experience. I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know him through DragonCon. DC won’t be the same without him. Rest in Peace Richard.
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