Actor David Soul, who became known for his role in the television series “Starsky & Hutch” in the 1970s, has died at the age of 80.
His wife, Helen Snell, said Friday that “David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – passed away yesterday after a courageous battle for life in the company of his family.”
“He shared many extraordinary gifts around the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend, His smile, his laughter and his passion for life will be remembered by the many people he touched” his wife, Helen Snell, said in a statement.
David Soul played Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson alongside Paul Michael Glaser as Detective David Starsky in “Starsky & Hutch.” The series, broadcast on the American channel ABC between 1975 and 1979, became so popular that it inspired a multitude of children’s toys.
While at the height of his fame, the actor also had musical success with the single “Don’t Give Up on Us.”
David Soul also played the role of talk show host Jerry Springer in the musical “Jerry Springer, the Opera” in London.
He lived for many years in Britain, where he played several stage roles. In 2001, he won a libel case against a journalist who called “The Dead Monkey,” a play he starred in, the worst production he had ever seen, without having seen it.
David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser made guest appearances in the 2004 big-screen remake of “Starsky & Hutch,” starring Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch.