Actor David Soul, known for his role in Starsky & Hutch, has passed away at 80. His wife Helen Snell announced that he died “after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.”
David Soul’s wife Helen Snell said he died “after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family”.
She expressed, “He contributed numerous exceptional talents to the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and cherished friend.”
“The memories of his smile, laughter, and zest for life will endure among the many lives he touched.”
The American-born performer gained fame for his portrayal of Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson in the iconic crime-solving series Starsky & Hutch.
David Soulco-starred alongside Paul Michael Glaser in the series, which aired from 1975 to 1979.
In the 2004 film adaptation of Starsky & Hutch, David Soul and Glaser reprised their roles, with Ben Stiller portraying Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch.
Stiller honored Soul by sharing a clip from the original TV series on X, captioned with: “Embodied ’70s cool. Rest in peace x.”
Soul was also recognized for his work in Here Come The Brides, Magnum Force, The Yellow Rose, and Salem’s Lot.
Author Stephen King, creator of the horror novel that inspired Salem’s Lot, expressed his condolences upon hearing of Soul’s passing.
David Soul also appeared in various British TV programs such as Holby City, Little Britain, and Lewis. He gained British citizenship in 2004.
Despite offers and significant financial incentives, he declined opportunities to participate in reality TV, stating to the Sunday Times: “These days, anyone can be a celebrity, and frankly, there’s nothing worth celebrating.”
The actor and singer, married five times, faced legal trouble in the 1980s for assaulting his then-pregnant wife, Patti Carnel Sherman.
While it was his initial offense, charges were dropped after he completed a probationary diversion program.
David Soul later expressed remorse and actively engaged in visiting prisons to counsel inmates on the topic of domestic violence.
David Solberg, born in Chicago on August 28, 1943, had a diverse upbringing split between South Dakota and post-World War II Berlin. His father, Dr. Richard Solberg, a professor and ordained minister, relocated the family to Berlin, where he served as a religious affairs adviser to the US high commission.
Before gaining recognition as an actor, David Soul embarked on his professional journey as a folk singer, captivating audiences before renowned acts like Frank Zappa, the Byrds, and the Lovin’ Spoonful. His passion for music ignited during his teenage years in Mexico, where his father taught at a college for aspiring diplomats. It was during this time that he was introduced to indigenous Mexican songs by a group of radical students who gifted him a guitar.
Upon returning to the US, David Soul found moderate success performing these songs in Minneapolis. However, his career truly flourished when he adopted the persona of “The Covered Man,” wearing a mask that concealed his identity. Under this guise, he was signed by the William Morris Agency and made appearances on various TV talk shows, notably the popular Merv Griffin show.
Yet, when he decided to shed the mask and reveal his true identity, his bookings declined, prompting a shift toward acting. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Soul made notable appearances in shows like Star Trek, Here Come The Brides, Perry Mason, and Johnny Got His Gun.
He made his debut as an actor portraying Officer John Davis in Clint Eastwood’s crime film “Magnum Force,” a role that paved the way for his part in “Starsky & Hutch.”
Following the triumph of “Starsky & Hutch,” he shifted back to music, releasing four albums of mellow rock ballads during the late 1970s.
These albums spawned two chart-topping singles in the UK, namely “Silver Lady” and “Don’t Give Up On Us,” captivating the devoted followers of his television character.
A review by The New York Times of his initial concert after rising to fame in 1977 depicted a scene of “camera-wielding teenage girls storming the stage,” amid “a continuous squeal and the flash of numerous camera bulbs.”
However, the fervor subsided after his arrest and subsequent rehabilitation. Following this, he only released one more album, “Leave A Light On,” in 1997, which he self-released.
His personal life included five marriages, involving actresses Sherman, Mirriam Solberg, Karen Carlson, and Julia Nickson, and resulted in six children.
He met Snell during his performance in “Deathtrap,” where she worked in public relations for the play. He fondly referred to her as his “soulmate.”
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