Remembering David Soul: Iconic 'Starsky and Hutch' Actor and Chart-Topping Singer Passes Away at 80

David Soul, renowned for his role alongside Paul Michael Glaser in the 1970s' ABC hit, Starsky and Hutch, and for his chart-topping single "Don't Give Up on Us," has sadly passed away at the age of 80.

 

His wife, Helen Snell, announced his passing on Thursday, stating that he fought bravely surrounded by family. Helen fondly remembered him as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend, emphasizing his impact on those whose lives he touched.

 

Beyond Starsky and Hutch, Soul's versatile career included roles in Here Come the Brides, Magnum Force (1973), and the 1979 Stephen King CBS miniseries Salem’s Lot. His performances in Casablanca and The Yellow Rose in 1983-84 showcased his diverse talents.

 

Playing the role of Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in Starsky and Hutch, Soul's blond, blue-eyed charm captivated audiences across 92 episodes. Reflecting on the show's unexpected success, he recalled the camaraderie with co-star Glaser, emphasizing their trust and dedication to the craft.

 

Before his iconic TV role, Soul made a mark as a singer, opening for notable acts like Frank Zappa, The Byrds, and The Lovin’ Spoonful. His 1977 hit, "Don't Give Up on Us," penned and produced by Tony Macaulay, topped charts globally during the second season of Starsky and Hutch. Another hit, "Silver Lady," further showcased his musical prowess.

 

Born David Richard Solberg in Chicago in 1943, Soul's journey from a Lutheran minister's son to a multifaceted artist involved stints in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Berlin. His decision to pursue acting led him to Augustana College, followed by the University of the Americas in Mexico City, where he cultivated his love for music.

 

Soul's acting debut in John Arden’s Sergeant Musgrave’s Dance set the stage for a remarkable career. Adopting the name Soul, he secured a contract with MGM Records and gained visibility on The Merv Griffin Show. Roles in Here Come the Brides and appearances on popular shows like Flipper and Star Trek followed.

 

His breakthrough into Starsky and Hutch came after noteworthy performances in Magnum Force and The Rookies. Soul's career extended to directing episodes of Starsky and Hutch, as well as Miami Vice and Crime Story, showcasing his creative range.

 

Post-Starsky and Hutch, Soul continued to leave his mark in diverse roles, from a divorced dad in Homeward Bound (1980) to a real-life killer in In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders (1988). He reunited with Glazer for a cameo in the 2004 Starsky & Hutch movie.

 

Soul's journey took an international turn in 1993 when he left the U.S. and became a British citizen in 2004. Despite health challenges in recent years, he starred in a West End production of Jerry Springer — The Opera in 2005.

 

Survived by his wife Helen Snell and six children, including his daughter China, a singer-songwriter, Soul's legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to both the entertainment and music industries.