Starsky & Hutch Star Dead At 80
Well-known Starsky & Hutch actor, David Soul has passed away at the age of 80. Just days ago, his wife, Helen Snell announced that “after a valiant battle for life”, the beloved actor died on January 4th, 2024.
David Soul was best known for his role as Detective Kenneth Hutchinson (Hutch) in the classic crime show Starsky & Hutch. “Starsky” was played by Paul Michael Glaser, and the series kept the two actors in the limelight from 1975 to 1979.
The two famed actors even got a chance to relive their iconic roles in the 2004 movie remake Starsky & Hutch, opposite Ben Stiller (as Starsky) and Owen Wilson (as Hutch). Upon news of David Soul’s death, Stiller made a post on X featuring an old clip from the TV series. The brief attached message read, “Defining 70’s cool. Rest in peace x”.
In addition to Starsky & Hutch, David Soul was also known for his roles in Magnum Force, Salem’s Lot, and The Yellow Rose. When Stephen King (author of Salem’s Lot) heard news of Soul’s passing, he said that he was “sorry to hear” it.
Though he was born a U.S. citizen, David Soul had quite the career on the British screens as well during his run as an actor. He had a part in shows like Holby City, Little Britain, and Lewis. He even managed to obtain official British citizenship in 2004.
He was certainly a busy and multifaceted talent. Not only was he an accomplished actor, David Soul spent time as a singer as well… a folk singer, to be exact. He would serve as an opening or warm-up act for stars like Frank Zappa and the Byrds.
David Soul’s love affair with music was rooted in his experience with a group of radical students attending a college in Mexico where his father was a professor. The students befriended Soul, handed him a guitar, and taught him how to play several indigenous songs of Mexico.
When David Soul made his way back to the U.S., he found a little success as a musical artist, but only when he wore a mask. He was called “The Covered Man”, and he even got signed by the William Morris Agency.
He appeared on several popular talk shows of the time, including the Merv Griffin Show, but when he decided to get rid of the mask, bookings dropped as well. That’s when David Soul turned his career focus toward acting. During the 60’s and 70’s, Soul caught roles in Star Trek, Here Comes The Bride, Perry Mason, and Johnny Got His Gun.
David Soul’s big break for his acting career came when he landed the role of John David in Clint Eastwood’s, Magnum Force. That role led him to his spot as “Hutch”, and Starsky & Hutch was born.
After the show dwindled in 1979, David Soul turned his professional focus back towards music. He released four soft rock ballad albums in the late 70’s, and two of his songs even made it to number one in the UK.
He lived a fun and eventful life. Soul was married five times during his run here on Earth and he fathered six children. Upon meeting Helen Snell, David Soul immediately described her as his “soulmate”.
Speaking of the man after his passing, Snell said, “He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world … His smile, laughter, and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched”.
