David Soul, Iconic 'Starsky & Hutch' Actor and Chart-Topping Singer, Passes Away at 80

 

Beloved TV star and accomplished singer, David Soul, known for his role as Detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson in the iconic 'Starsky & Hutch,' has died at the age of 80. A versatile artist, Soul's contributions spanned acting, singing, and stage performances, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born as David Richard Solberg on August 28, 1943, in Chicago to a Lutheran minister and a teacher, Soul initially embarked on his acting journey as a founding member of the Firehouse Theatre Company in Minneapolis. His first national recognition came in 1967 on "The Merv Griffin Show" as "The Covered Man," a masked singer with a unique performance style.

From "Flipper" to "Starsky & Hutch"

Following his debut on "Flipper," Soul's breakthrough arrived when he secured the role of Detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson in the hit TV series 'Starsky & Hutch,' which aired from 1975 to 1979. Paired with co-star Paul Michael Glaser, who portrayed Detective Dave Starsky, the show became a massive success, cementing Soul's status as a small-screen sensation.

Dual Success: Acting and Singing

While 'Starsky & Hutch' propelled Soul to stardom in the acting realm, he also achieved significant success as a pop singer. In 1977, his chart-topping hit "Don't Give Up on Us" claimed the number one spot in the U.S. charts, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This triumph was followed by another hit, "Silver Lady," which secured the number one position in the United Kingdom.

Transition to the UK and Stage Career

In the 1990s, Soul made a significant move to Britain, where he transitioned to a successful stage career on London's West End, akin to Broadway. Embracing his new home, he became a British citizen and a familiar face on British television.

Personal Life and Legacy

Married five times, David Soul was a family man, leaving behind a legacy of five sons and a daughter. His family released a statement saying, "David Soul—beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother—died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family."

Soul's smile, laughter, and passion for life will be fondly remembered by the countless lives he touched throughout his extraordinary journey as an actor, singer, storyteller, and creative artist.