David Soul

Celebrity

Starsky And Hutch Star David Soul Has Died

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10:27 06 January 2024

Updated: 04:45 23 November 2024


David Soul, the star of Starsky & Hutch, has died aged 80.

2024 has only just begun, and we’ve already lost some iconic celebrities.

Mary Poppins star Glynis Johns, Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper, and now the beloved David Soul have all passed away just days into the new year.

Soul, the British-American actor and singer was best known for his role as Detective Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson in the TV series Starsky & Hutch from 1975 to 1979.

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Born in 1943, Soul first came to the world of entertainment as a musician, playing guitar at a club in Minneapolis, The 10 O’Clock Scholar.

He then branched out into musical theatre, becoming a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis.

Soul then began his career on the screen, signing a contract with Columbia Pictures and landing the role of Joshua Bolt on the television program Here Come the Brides.

However, his major breakthrough came when he was cast on the legendary mystery and action TV series, Starsky & Hutch.

He played the role for more than 4 years.

Starsky & Hutch
David Soul has sadly passed away aged 80. Credit: ABC

Over the course of his career, Soul also made appearances on TV shows like Star TrekI Dream of JeannieMcMillan & WifeCannonGunsmoke, and All in the Family.

In more recent years, he took on the role of Jerry Springer in Jerry Springer – The Opera at the Cambridge Theatre in London.

He also appeared on TV with guest appearances on Holby City and Lewis.

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Soul also made a return to music from 1976 until 1978 and had five UK top 20 singles and two top 10 UK albums.

Soul was similarly prolific in his personal life.

He married five times and has five sons and a daughter.

David Soul
David Soul was best known for his role as Detective Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson in Starsky & Hutch. Credit: Alamy

But this week, Soul’s fifth wife, Helen Snell, announced that he had sadly passed away.

In a statement following his death, she said: “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 passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”

News of his passing has devasted many, with tributes rolling in for the beloved star.

Singer Nikki Lund posted: “He was such a bright light and an inspiration for so many singers. And he was the meaning of masculine charm in the 1970s that still has an impact today. I am really sad he is no longer with us.”

Jonathan Cheban, aka FoodGod from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, agreed: “His loss will be felt. I mean, he is one of the most memorable TV actors from the 1970s.”

Sharron Davies took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: “Sad to hear this. Were you a Starsky or Hutch fan? After Moscow every radio interview I did I was introduced by ‘Silver Lady’ by David Soul fond memories…”

While John Sweeney added: “David Soul RIP Got to know and love David when we helped Martin Bell defeat Neil Hamilton in 1997. Funny, brave, good man. Had his flaws. Who hasn’t? But brought great joy and fun.”