(RightWing.org) – “Starsky & Hutch” was a popular television police show set in the fictional township of Bay City, California. The ABC network aired the show opposite primetime hits like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Love Boat” for four seasons ending in 1979. The series’ central characters included Sgt. David Michael Starsky, played by Paul Michael Glaser, and Sgt. Kenneth Richard “Hutch” Hutchinson, David Soul. Sadly, Soul recently passed away at age 80.
On January 5, Soul’s wife, Helen Snell, posted a brief statement on his X/Twitter account announcing her husband’s death. She told his many fans that he had fought a “valiant battle for life” with “loving” family members by his side. However, she didn’t list the specific affliction that ended his life.
Snell also wrote about the “many extraordinary gifts” Soul shared as an actor, storyteller, singer, and “dear friend.” She concluded her remarks by noting that the many people whose lives he touched would remember his laughter, smile, and passion for life.
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…
— David Soul (@DavidRSoul) January 5, 2024
Soul wore several hats as a performer over his 50+ year career as an entertainer. He was a stage actor, played in several feature films, and was an accomplished musician who appeared semi-regularly on the “Merv Griffin Show” in the 1960s.
As a singer/songwriter, Soul released five albums. His first LP included two singles that topped the charts in the United Kingdom and reached number one on American Billboard. Likewise, “Silver Lady” reached the top of the British charts and ranked 52nd on Billboard.
Several actors and actresses who worked with Soul shared their thoughts on his passing. Glaser told PEOPLE that he was finding it “difficult to comprehend David’s passing,” calling him a “brother,” “friend,” and “caring man.” He said it seemed only yesterday that they “were sharing loving insults” over the phone. Glaser also extended his condolences to Soul’s wife, sons, and daughter, China.
One of my first TV roles was on Starsky & Hutch. David Soul and I ran into each other frequently after that, and every time he was so warmhearted and funny. He also did an episode of Partners in Crime with me and Loni Anderson years later. We’ll miss you, David. pic.twitter.com/DNkpmUa5hV
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) January 6, 2024
Condolences to the family of David Soul. One of his early roles was on an episode of Star Trek Original Series.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) January 5, 2024
Similarly, several people in the entertainment industry shared their memories and expressed their sorrow at Soul’s passing. They included film actors and television stars Lynda Carter and William Shatner. Additionally, novelist and screenplay writer Stephen King reflected on Soul’s portrayal of Ben Mears in the television miniseries “Salem’s Lot.”
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