Actor David Soul has died aged 80.
The American-British actor was best known for his role in the television series Starsky & Hutch, as David Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson.
His wife Helen Shell confirmed his death in a statement.
She said: ‘David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.
‘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.’
Soul starred opposite Paul Michael Glaser as Detective Dave Starsky in the iconic TV series from 1975 to 1979, while other roles included playing Joshua Bolt on Here Come the Brides from 1968 to 1990 and Officer Josh Davis in Magnum Force in 1973.
He also starred in NBC series Casablanca and made guest appearances in the likes of Miami Vice and appeared in Holby City as Alan Fletcher.
Soul recalled the moment he landed the coveted role as Starsky in 2020, telling that ‘at the time, I thought television was a bit beneath me.’
He added: ‘We didn’t have a clue it was going to be so successful. That only happened in the second year. Paul and I basically ran the shoot – the streets were our playground, and we’d be driving around with people shouting, “It’s Starksy and Hutch!” But we took it very seriously.
‘We improvised a lot, and we trusted each other, totally. There was no one-upmanship or anything like that. Timing-wise, we just sensed each other. It was magical.’
Soul remained good friends with Glaser way into his latter years and stated: ‘He’s still my best friend – we talk all the time. We’ve shared a lot together.’
The actor was propelled to heartthrob status in the 70s after becoming a household name, but said he ‘got so tired’ of the label.
In 2004, Soul and Glaser reprised their roles in the 2004 remake of Starsky & Hutch which starred Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch.
In addition to his acting work, Soul also enjoyed a successful music career releasing four soft rock albums in the late 70s. He earned two number one singles in the UK with the songs Silver Lady and Don’t Give Up On Us.
Soul was married five times with his spouses including his Here Come The Brides co-star Karen Carlson. He was also married to Patti Carnel Sherman but was sent to jail and ordered to attend therapy after attacking her when she was seven months pregnant.
The actor, who had five sons and a daughter, married his fifth and final wife Snell in 2010 after striking up a relationship in 2002. They met on the set of the stage production of Deathtrap in the UK.
