David Soul, well-known for his portrayal of Detective Kenneth Hutchinson on the buddy cop TV series “Starsky and Hutch,” has passed away. He died on Thursday at a hospital in London after battling cancer, as confirmed by a family member. His wife, Helen Snell, expressed that he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
David had been dealing with various health issues throughout his life, most notably chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which he attributed to his fifty-year habit of smoking three packs of cigarettes daily.
His wife, Helen Snell, described him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother who passed away after a brave fight for life, surrounded by family. He brought exceptional talents to the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend.”
David achieved pop icon status in the 1970s for his role as Hutch, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed detective in “Starsky and Hutch.” He appeared in all 92 episodes from 1975-79 and also directed a few episodes.
Following “Starsky and Hutch,” David secured roles in the 1979 TV miniseries “Salem’s Lot” and the 1980 TV movie “Homeward Bound.”
David and Paul reprised their roles as Starsky and Hutch with a cameo appearance in the 2004 movie remake, “Starsky & Hutch,” featuring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
Prior to his Hutch fame, David began his Hollywood career in the mid-1960s with minor TV roles in shows such as “Flipper,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” and “Star Trek.” Notably, Clint Eastwood recognized David’s talent early on and cast him as one of the cops alongside him in the 1973 film “Magnum Force.”
He also found success as a singer/songwriter, achieving a number-one hit in 1976 with “Don’t Give Up On Us.”
In the 90s, David relocated to the UK and began starring in West End stage productions and British TV shows. Ultimately, he became a British citizen in 2004.
He is survived by his wife and 6 children from previous relationships.
David was 80.
RIP
FAQ
What is David Soul best known for?
David Soul is best known for his role as Detective Kenneth Hutchinson on the TV series “Starsky and Hutch.”
What was David Soul’s notable accomplishment as a singer?
David Soul achieved a number-one hit in 1976 with the song “Don’t Give Up On Us.”
How many children did David Soul have?
David Soul is survived by his wife and 6 children from previous relationships.
David Soul’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of “Starsky and Hutch” and his other contributions to the entertainment industry. His legacy as an actor, singer, and creative artist will be fondly remembered by many.