David Soul, the actor renowned for his iconic role in the television series 'Starsky & Hutch,' has passed away at the age of 80.
David Soul, the actor celebrated for his prominent role in the 1970s as one half of the famed crime-fighting duo "Starsky and Hutch" and later finding success as a pop singer (David Soul), has passed away at the age of 80.
The family shared a heartfelt statement through David Soul's wife, Helen Snell, expressing their loss and describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. The statement conveyed that David Soul fought valiantly for his life and passed away surrounded by his loving family. It highlighted his multifaceted contributions to the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend. The family expressed gratitude for the extraordinary gifts he shared and emphasized that his smile, laughter, and passion for life will be remembered by all whose lives he touched.
David Soul, born David Richard Solberg on August 28, 1943, in Chicago to a Lutheran minister and a teacher, had a diverse background. In addition to his successful acting career, he was an accomplished athlete, receiving a contract offer to play baseball for the Chicago White Sox at the age of 18, as detailed in his official biography.
However, David Soul's path led him toward the stage, marking the commencement of his acting journey as one of the founding members of the Firehouse Theatre Company in Minneapolis.
His breakthrough moment came in 1967 when he captured national attention as "The Covered Man" on "The Merv Griffin Show." Distinguishing himself with a unique act, Soul, adorned with a mask, delivered his musical performances, creating an intriguing persona that resembled more of a bank robber than a traditional blues singer.
Nonetheless, this exposure opened the door to his inaugural television role on "Flipper," a family-oriented series. Interestingly, "The Covered Man" moniker from his unique act eventually became the title of his autobiography published in 2007.
David Soul's major breakthrough unfolded with the role of Detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson in the iconic series "Starsky & Hutch," where he starred alongside Paul Michael Glaser, cast as Detective Dave Starsky.
Airing from 1975 to 1979, the series became a monumental success, establishing Soul and Glaser as television sensations.
Prior to this, Soul, known for his anti-Vietnam War stance, portrayed "Swede" in the 1971 anti-war film "Johnny Got His Gun."
In addition to acting, Soul found success in the music industry, achieving a U.S. chart-topping hit with "Don't Give Up on Us" in 1977. His subsequent single, "Silver Lady," also reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom.
Over the following decade, he maintained a consistent presence on television. In the 1990s, Soul transitioned to the British stage scene, establishing himself as a stage actor on London's West End, akin to Broadway.
Choosing London as his home, he acquired British citizenship and became a familiar face on British television.
Having been married five times, as per multiple biographies, he was the father of five sons and a daughter.
In his final years, Soul faced battles with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Yet, his sense of humor endured.
Mere months before his passing in a London hospital, Soul playfully suggested the idea of revisiting the iconic roles he and Glaser immortalized in a reboot of "Starsky & Hutch.
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