In 1975, David Soul first appeared on television screens as Ken Hutchinson in the crime series “Starsky & Hutch” on the American broadcaster ABC, gaining worldwide fame. Together with Paul Michael Glaser, Soul solved criminal cases as “Hutch” in 92 episodes over four seasons and was first seen in Germany in 1978, where ZDF took over broadcasting of the hit series.
According to a press release from his wife Helen Snell, the actor died on Thursday, January 4, 2024, after a courageous fight for survival, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family. Snell writes: “He had many extraordinary talents as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and loyal friend. His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.”
David Soul co-starred with Clint Eastwood
The Chicago-born actor started his career in theater, landing his first roles in “The Merv Griffith Show” and “Star Trek.” In 1973, he was finally discovered by Clint Eastwood and cast in the crime film “Dirty Harry 2 – Callahan”, in which the Hollywood legend played the lead role. A short time later, he worked in “Starsky & Hutch,” which led to a cameo appearance in Todd Phillips’ 2004 theatrical reboot of the same name.
Soul also appeared in the films “Salem’s Lot” and “The Key To Rebecca”, as well as in the series “Casablanca” and “The Yellow Rose”. After becoming a British citizen and moving to Britain in the 1990s, he also starred in British crime series such as ‘Patriot’ and ‘Lewis’. As a singer, he had a number 1 hit in both Britain and the US in 1977 with his song “Don’t Give Up On Us Now”.