Creator of 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Knight Rider,' Glen A. Larson, dead at 77

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Creator of 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Knight Rider,' Glen A. Larson, dead at 77
Executive Producer Glen A.Larson at Experience Music Project on October 22, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. Credit: Dana Nalbandian

Glen A. Larson, a writer and producer behind such notable TV shows as the original "Battlestar Galactica," ''Knight Rider" and "Magnum, P.I.," has died.

Larson's son, James, said Saturday that his father died Friday evening at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center of complications from esophageal cancer.

[seealso slug="battlestar-galactica-movie"]

Following news of his death, entertainment professionals and fans who were inspired by Larson's work took to Twitter to offer their thoughts on his passing.

If I was someone at NBC I’d be setting up a Glen A. Larson memorial night of programming right now.— Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) November 15, 2014

Glen A. Larson, RIP. A man very much at home in 1970s and '80s primetime. Recycler extraordinaire. Amazing energy.— Matt Zoller Seitz (@mattzollerseitz) November 15, 2014

RIP -I worked for Glen in '91 on "PS I Love You" “@Variety: ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Creator Glen A. Larson Dies at 77 http://t.co/bjMTNn1RDd”— Guy Norman Bee (@guynormanbee) November 15, 2014

RIP Glen A. Larson, creator of so many TV shows (Battlestar Galactica, Fall Guy, Magnum PI, Knight Rider, Quincy) that defined my childhood.— Ken Plume (@KenPlume) November 15, 2014

Larson was nominated three times for an Emmy and once for a Grammy for his success creating and writing shows that dominated TV screens in the 1970s and 1980s.

He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.

In addition to his small-screen talents, Larson was an accomplished singer who once played on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and helped write or compose several hit songs.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, a brother and nine children.

Additional reporting by Mashable

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