David Soul, 'Beloved' Starsky & Hutch Actor, Dead at 80

The actor’s wife, Helen Snell, announced the news on Friday

David Soul, best known for his role as Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson on TV Starsky & Hutch, died on Thursday. He was 80 years old.

His wife, Helen Snell, to whom he was married for 13 years, shared the news in a statement to PEOPLE and described Soul as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.”

The actor “died yesterday after a courageous fight for life in a loving community,” Snell said.

“He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist and dear friend,” her statement continued.

“His smile, laugh and passion for life will be remembered by many whose lives he touched.”

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The Chicago-born actor initially wanted to play baseball with the Chicago White Sox, then changed his major to study to be a diplomat, following in his father’s footsteps, and said his “turn into entertainment was completely accidental,” according to his official website.

He began his singing career in New York before moving to Los Angeles to begin his acting career. Ago Starsky & Hutchappeared in shows like Star Trek, Here come the brides, Everyone in the family and Magnum Forcebut his performance of Hutch starting in 1975 cemented his career.

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The series ran for four years and Paul Michael Glaser played Hutch’s partner and fellow detective David Starsky.

In November, Soul said Glaser, 80, “is and always will be my best friend, my brother,” in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Magnum Force: Clint Eastwood, David Soul.

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After their stint in the hit crime series, Soul spent years acting and directing various TV shows before moving to London, where he pursued a theater career and made several appearances in the West End, including with Bill Kenwright. Catch Me If You Can.

In 2004, he and Glaser reprized their roles as Starsky and Hutch in the 2004 film adaptation starring Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman and Snoop Dogg.

Ben Stiller, David Soul, Paul Michael Glaser, Owen Wilson – Starsky and Hutch – 2004.

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Last year, news broke of a potential reboot of the cop series with two female leads. Soul responded to the reports, questioning why he and his original partner couldn’t be the ones to carry out the reboot.

“Every article [about a reboot] mentions the ‘original’ actors by name. So why not just restart Paul and me — as a couple of old farts solving stupid crimes in the institution for the infirm we would now live in? Who can do Starsky and Hutch better than him and me?” he wrote on X.

Starsky & Hutch – DAVID SOUL, PAUL MICHAEL GLASER.

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Glaser jokingly replied, “If you’re going to describe me as an ‘old fart,’ please leave the ‘old’ out.”

The idea did get some support though, as comedian and actor Dave Foley responded to Soul’s tweet: “Sounds great. Can I play a 60 year old who thinks he knows everything but hasn’t seen s—. PS watched every episode of the original. ”

Wonderful woman actress Lynda Carter also chimed in: “I would watch this.”

David Soul.

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The actor celebrated his 80th birthday in August and marked the occasion with a statement on X thanking his fans for their well wishes — and their charitable donations in his name.

He called it a “big birthday” as he admitted he had “never been more moved, not because of the overflow of good wishes,” but because of the “impressive list of charities that many of you have donated to in my name.”

“On my birthday, I sat at the kitchen table with precious family and close friends and read each one aloud, so we could talk together about the issues they raised and the work they do. I am so touched by the outpouring of support they have received from all of you that I truly cannot thank you enough for this joint effort,” he continued.

He said about the birthday: “You made turning 80 something unusually special. So here’s to my next 80 years. I hope you’ll stay with us for the (bumpy) ride. You are the best! Big kiss and lots of love!”

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