David Soul Dead At Age 80

'Starsky & Hutch' actor David Soul has passed away at the age of 80. His wife, Helen Snell confirmed the news.

"David Soul — beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother — died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family."

During his life, David faced various health challenges including cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

“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.”

He rose to stardom as Sergeant Kenneth Richard "Hutch" Hutchinson in 'Starsky & Hutch,' from 1975 to 1979. 

In February 2023, it was announced a reboot was underway starring two female leads. Soul believed he and Paul Glaser should be chosen instead. (Paul portrayed Starsky). 

“Every article mentions the ‘original’ actors by name. So why not just reboot Paul and me — as a couple of old farts solving piddly-ass crimes at the assisted living facility where we would now live? Who can do ‘Starsky and Hutch’ better than him and me?”

Paul quipped in the comments section: “If you’re going to describe me as an ‘old fart,’ Please leave ‘old’ out of it.”

David is survived by his wife Helen, six children from previous marriages, and seven grandchildren. 

Before Helen, he was married to Mirriam Russeth (1964 - 1965), Karen Carlson (1968 - 1977), Patti Carnel Sherman (1980 - 1986), and Julia Nickson (1987 - 1993). 

David had also previously opened up about the health issues he faced later in life. 

“I spent 72 days in intensive care, including twice being put on a ventilator and undergoing a tracheostomy. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t do anything, I was in delirium. As a last resort, I was moved to the Royal Free Hospital, where I underwent treatment that saved my life.”

He attributed his battle with COPD to 50 years of smoking up three packs of cigarettes a day. COPD is an inflammatory lung disease, which causes breathing related problems. 

“It took its toll and I quit about 10 years ago, [but] you can’t reverse the condition."

“I’ve had it all. I’ve been a No. one [star] in the world for a while — not now. I’ve had No. one records around the world — not now. I have six wonderful children. I’m married to a wonderful woman. I’m happy, I’ve explored, I’ve seen, I’ve done.”