On Thursday, David Soul, acclaimed for his portrayal of Sergeant Kenneth Richard “Hutch” Hutchinson in the iconic television series “Starsky & Hutch,” succumbed to the challenges of life, as disclosed by his wife on his official website. He was 80.

In a heartfelt statement, she conveyed, “David Soul — cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother — departed yesterday after bravely confronting the trials of life, surrounded by his loving family. He shared his extraordinary talents with the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and a dear friend. The indelible imprint of his smile, laughter, and zest for life will be fondly remembered by the many souls he touched.”

Beyond his role in “Starsky & Hutch,” Soul graced the screen in the Western series “Here Comes the Brides” and featured in notable films like “Magnum Force” and “Salem’s Lot.” His artistic repertoire extended to music, where he released multiple albums during the ’70s and ’80s, including the chart-topping single “Don’t Give Up on Us.”

Born in Chicago on August 28, 1943, Soul embarked on his acting journey in the ’60s, initially on stage, before making a splash on television in the late ’60s with a role in “Flipper.” This led to a contract with Columbia Pictures and his significant role as Joshua Bolt in “Here Comes the Brides,” propelling him to stardom.

In 1971, Soul marked his film debut in “Johnny Got His Gun” and subsequently appeared alongside Clint Eastwood in “Magnum Force” (1972). However, it was his portrayal of Sergeant Hutchinson that became the pinnacle of his career, as he and Paul Michael Glaser played the dynamic duo of Southern California police detectives in “Starsky & Hutch,” which ran from 1975 to 1979.

The show, characterized by its iconic red-and-white-striped Ford Gran Torino and the duo’s unique camaraderie, deviated from typical cop show dynamics. Despite its success, concerns about TV violence led to a shift in focus towards social themes and friendship in Season 3, causing a decline in ratings.

While “Starsky & Hutch” concluded with its fourth season, the characters were revisited in a 2004 prequel film directed by Todd Phillips, featuring Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch, with Soul and Glaser making cameo appearances.

Beyond his acting career, Soul returned to his musical roots in the ’70s, producing popular songs like “Don’t Give Up on Us” and “Silver Lady.” His artistic journey included starring in the 1979 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot.”

In the ’90s, Soul relocated to the United Kingdom, venturing into West End theatre and British TV. He became a UK citizen in 2004, and his later credits included films like “Farewell” and “Filth,” as well as appearances in TV shows such as “Poirot,” “Dalziel and Pascoe,” and “Lewis.”

David Soul leaves behind his wife Helen Snell and six children, leaving an enduring legacy in the realms of both acting and music.

source: imdb.com
image: Salem’s Lot