David Soul, the actor best known for his role as Hutch in the popular TV series “Starsky & Hutch,” has died at the age of 80.
The actor and singer’s wife Helen Snell announced the star’s passing with a statement: “David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” the update said, per BBC News.
“He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend. His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”
The actor began his career performing on stage as an actor in the 1960s and was a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis. Soul gained national attention appearing as the “Covered Man” on “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1966 and 1967. He said at the time, “My name is David Soul, and I want to be known for my music.
Also in 1967, he appeared in the NBC TV series “Flipper.”
Soul is best known for his breakout role starring opposite Paul Michael Glaser in “Starsky & Hutch,” which aired from 1975 until 1979 and remains popular in reruns. He and Glaser also participated in the 2004 remake, “Starsky & Hutch,” which starred Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch.
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Besides that series, Soul was known for his roles as Joshua Bolt on “Here Come the Brides” from 1968 to 1970 and Officer John Davis in “Magnum Force” in 1973. He also starred in the hit TV movie adaptation “Salem’s Lot” (1979), based on the popular horror novel written by Stephen King.
The Chicago-born celebrity was also a celebrated singer, putting out one US hit and five UK hits with songs such as “Don’t Give Up on Us” in 1976 and “Silver Lady” in 1977.
In 2019, he discussed why he turned down making appearances on reality shows like “Big Brother” and “I’m a Celebrity” despite the opportunity to make money.
“These days anybody is a celebrity and, frankly, there’s nothing to celebrate,” he told The Sunday Times. “Reality TV? I live my life in reality. I want [to watch] something special, not pretty people with little talent trying to get famous.”
Soul was married five times, including to actresses Patti Carnel Sherman, Mirriam Solberg, Karen Carlson, and Julia Nickson. He had six children.
The actor married his fifth wife, Helen Snell, in June 2010 after being in a relationship with her since meeting in 2002 during the British stage production of “Deathtrap.” Soul described Snell as his “soulmate.”