David Soul, best known for his work on the iconic Starsky and Hutch TV series has died aged 80 after a long battle with health issues.
According to reports, the actor passed away late last week, January 4, 2024 at a London hospital. His loved ones were by his side as he drew his final breath, with his death marking the loss of another titan of TV from a bygone era.
Soul’s wife, Helen Snell revealed that he died last Thursday “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,” she added.
“His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”
Soul rose to dizzying heights of fame after starring opposite Paul Michael Glaser in the celebrated Starsky and Hutch series, which ran from 1975 to 1979.
The actor’s later years were lived out in London with his family, wife Helen and his six children.
According to reports, Soul’s health had waned in the last decade or so, leaving him to contend with a number of issues, including a chronic lung condition as a result of a lifetime of smoking.
In a 2019 interview with the Sunday Times, Soul credited his wife as having been instrumental in his recovery after numerous health-related setbacks.
“I am a fighter,” he said, adding, “without Helen, I never would have made it.”
Following his starring role in Starksy and Hutch, Soul appeared in a number of TV shows, some of which were UK-based after his move across the Atlantic. Having sold his rights to Starsky and Hutch for a modest sum, Soul turned down lucrative pay checks to appear on reality television shows, telling the Sunday Times: “These days anybody is a celebrity and, frankly, there’s nothing to celebrate.”
Instead, the late actor found his happiness in family. He was also an advocate for animal rights, supporting The Animals Voice in their fight against cruelty.
Rest in peace, David Soul! Leave a comment if you’ve been a fan of any of his work.
