Richard Hatch and me on the set of Personal Space, getting ready to float in zero g. — Richard Hatch and me on the set of *Personal Space*, getting ready to float in zero g.

what words remain — an interview with Richard Hatch

April 8, 2017

The initial shock of Richard Hatch’s passing is beginning to fade, but the weight of who he was and what he left behind is only becoming heavier with time. Richard was unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He expressed with such transparency and optimism that it was easy to wonder, “Is this guy for real?” Then, you would stare into those intense, earnest eyes, and realize, “Wow, he’s for real.”

He shared what he cared about with abounding enthusiasm, without reservation; he shared the people he cared about with love, reverence and humility; and he shared the things you cared about because all he ever wanted was to see people pursuing and living their dreams. I continue to feel humbled the more I learn about his life and accomplishments. To meet him, you would never know the impressive successes he achieved throughout his life and career because he approached life as a consummate student — always curious, asking questions, eager to learn from everyone he met. In turn, he hoped to provide value, hope and inspiration to those he met, and that’s what he did.

Like the myriad people who have shared their Richard stories, I have many and I will forever cherish the special friendship we shared. In addition, several years ago, I had an idea to create a magazine that would combine ideas and interviews relating to sci-fi and its influences on modern life. The magazine never came to fruition, but I did succeed at obtaining a beautiful, heartfelt interview with Richard. These particular words have never seen eyes beyond my own, and I would very much like to share them now — to honor and to celebrate our wise and wonderful friend. He speaks about his introduction to acting, early childhood challenges, his love of Battlestar Galactica, and the hopes and dreams that motivated the Richard we all know and love. It was written in February of 2011, yet his answers are timeless. I hope you enjoy.

1. I’d like to know what Battlestar Galactica means to you. I understand it’s a big question, but you’ve been an advocate from the very beginning, so what is special about BSG and why is it so important to you?

As to Battlestar, I’ve always loved powerful and inspiring stories that touch our deepest self and mirror and illuminate the human condition. The underlying BG story accomplishes all that and more and is much more than entertainment. Art has always been more than just entertainment, but in this industry of ours it became almost sacrilegious to talk about movies or TV series as something meaningful or having value in the world. This truly epic life and death story that is very archetypical in nature (Moses and the Israelites) takes us all on a journey of the heart where our deepest fears, insecurities, judgments and belief systems are all challenged and transformed by the dire life and death circumstances of the show. I also love the fact that every character in the story is morally conflicted and has to face and deal with their dark side, come to terms with their very human flaws and imperfections. And, these kinds of circumstances bring out the very best and worst in all of us. In addition, we, as actors, had to face our own personal issues and judgments about life, politics, etc, as the characters we became very emotionally bonded to, went through their paces and had to live with the decisions they each made along the way. What better venue for not only challenging and evolving the artist in all of us, but more importantly the human being. Why do I love this story? How could I not love this story? I’m political, philosophical, spiritual and deeply interested in the physiology of life and human nature and this life-changing story involved all of these elements that make up the lives we live.

pretty sure i won mysticon

March 3, 2012

Nearly a year ago, I got an email through my website inviting me to a convention in Roanoke, Virginia. Not knowing where this was nor anything about the con, I was a little hesitant, and put it in my “get to it when I get around to it” folder (otherwise known as the abyss). That is, until I got the second email, just checking to see if I got the first, and if I was interested. This should have been my first clue, though I wouldn’t truly learn it until later, that when Carla Brindle (president and PR director of MystiCon) wants something, she doesn’t stop until she has it, someone has it, or she finds out it’s physically impossible. This, I must say, beyond even cleverness and wit, is something I respect tremendously. Without dwelling in the details, I will tell you there’s no way I would have made it to Virginia without her perseverance, creativity, and sheer will to make it happen. I really want to thank her for not only persisting so I could come to MystiCon and have an amazing time, but also showing me how obstacles are only road blocks if you let them. Yay Carla! The whole weekend was packed with super fun people, panels and podcasts, oh my! I often feel like a broken record when I come back from these things, but seriously, everyone was so nice! I guess it makes sense. People don't generally go to a con without a pretty high starting level of excitement and enthusiasm, but it's definitely contagious. If I had one complaint from the weekend, it would have been the lack of dance par-tay. Friday night I had my dancing shoes on and was raring to go, but the sad, confetti-covered floor of the ballroom was totally empty. I’m guessing there was a party somewhere, but it was probably in someone’s room and you probably weren’t allowed to enter without proper larping credentials (look it up, mom). Thankfully the hotel bar had its own club with a handful of locals getting down, so I did my best to dance it up and managed to conjure at least a tiny reputation for myself the following day.

The next night was probably the best surprise of all though. I met the boys from Bella Morte at the opening ceremonies and quickly had them flagged for some serious radness factor. Singing an acoustic version of “Earth Angel” to a room full of anxious and excited con-goers was a ballsy move, and absolutely no indication of how hard they rock out in their live show. If you haven't already, you should definitely check 'em out and get their new album. And definitely see them live if you can! The fact that they dedicated a cover of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” to me, and completely pulled it off, and totally embarrassed me, and were hilarious and heartfelt and awesome, pretty much made them my new favorite band. Not to mention that they’re just great. Did I mention they're great?

Anyway, thanks to everyone who came, everyone who made it happen, and everyone who hung out in the hotel lobby when the fire alarm went off at 2am! (That means not you Andy!)

Oh! I nearly forgot, I did a podcast while I was there too! We had a really ridiculous and good time. Not sure how that translates to aural entertainment, but I’m sure I made a fool of myself, so at least there's that: Geek Radio Daily

be nice to your _______ (self)

January 29, 2012

I just re-read the very first interview I did ever. I’m collecting press for my visa application and it’s proved a special kind of challenge—reading about yourself and the things you’ve written. A pressure mounts gradually, fuelled by petty fears and insecurities. A type of pressure typically only relieved by hearty belly laughs between friends, or a cathartic cry over the helpless nature of it all. In this case, I did both. And then I read the interview. Whatever judgments lingered were quickly dissolved when I read the part where I said my age: 21. That’s seven years ago. A quarter of my life ago. I was a baby. My words were laced with innocence and I read on with the curiosity of a mother reading her child’s poetry. No need for perfection, only subtle cues indicating where I was at, how I was feeling and what makes me me. It ended up being a really cool experience. I felt like I could accept a part of myself I’ve always avoided looking at. The innocent part. The part that really wants to do well, sound smart, have people like me, whatever. But that’s not who I am. Who I am is in my decision to even share myself in that way, my desire to make meaningful connections and continue questioning what I’m doing and why. I thought it was a sweet interview in the end. And it inspired me to think about why it takes seven years to be able to feel compassion for my journey, to not need to meet some ridiculous standard. Why not look at what I did a year ago, a month ago, a minute ago, with the same acceptance and understanding? It’s said that time helps put things in perspective, but how much time? By the time we even become aware of our experience, it’s already in the past, so we always have a choice of how you want to feel about it—with light-hearted curiosity or the fear-driven control of an over-protective mother. Whether it’s an important presentation or a macaroni necklace, we’re all doing our best to find ourselves and create meaningful expressions. So be nice. I’m certainly going to try.

If you’re curious, you can read my interview here.

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - Antoine Saint-Exupery

new interview!

October 2, 2009

check out this cool new interview with Jason Anders of Fulle Circle Magazine. hard copies of the magazine will be out soon, which I'm told will have some special cartoon characters for your visual enjoyment, can't wait!