Beloved TV star David Soul, best known for his iconic role as Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson in the hit crime-solving series "Starsky & Hutch," has passed away at the age of 80. His wife, Helen Snell, announced the heartbreaking news in a statement, revealing that Soul died on Thursday after a courageous battle for life, surrounded by his loving family. Snell described Soul as a multi-talented individual who shared many extraordinary gifts with the world, including his talents as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend. She emphasized that his infectious smile, laughter, and passion for life will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched.

Throughout his life, Soul faced numerous health challenges, including battles with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite these obstacles, he continued to inspire and entertain audiences with his remarkable talent. "Starsky & Hutch," which aired from 1975 to 1979, catapulted Soul to stardom as he starred alongside Paul Michael Glaser, who portrayed Detective David Michael Starsky. The buddy cop drama became a cultural phenomenon and even spawned a range of children's toys.

In February 2023, a reboot of "Starsky & Hutch" with two female leads was announced. However, Soul took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his opinion that he and Glaser should reprise their iconic roles instead. He humorously suggested that they could portray a couple of old farts solving minor crimes in an assisted living facility, highlighting their enduring chemistry and ability to capture the essence of the original characters. Glaser playfully responded, asking to be described as an "old fart" without the "old."

Soul's career extended beyond "Starsky & Hutch," as he took on other memorable roles such as Joshua Bolt in "Here Come the Brides" and Officer John Davis in "Magnum Force." He even ventured into the music industry and recorded chart-topping hits like "Don't Give Up on Us" in 1976 and “Silver Lady” in 1977.

Born David Richard Solberg in Chicago on August 28, 1943, Soul spent his childhood between South Dakota and post-World War II Berlin. He began his acting career in the 1960s, making a name for himself on stage and becoming a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis. In 1966, he gained critical acclaim for his role as "The Covered Man" on "The Merv Griffin Show." Soul also made memorable guest appearances on beloved TV series such as "Star Trek," "I Dream of Jeannie," "McMillan & Wife," "Cannon," "Gunsmoke," and "All in the Family."

In the 1990s, Soul made the decision to move to England to pursue his dream of performing on the West End. He found a true home in the UK, showcasing his talent in various stage productions, including Chandler Tate in "Comic Potential," the Narrator in "Blood Brothers," and Jerry Springer in "Jerry Springer - The Opera." In 2004, he officially became a British citizen, explaining that his decision was driven by a desire to belong and a love for the London theater scene.

Soul's personal life was marked by multiple marriages, and he faced legal troubles, including an arrest for battery and an altercation with his former wife. However, charges against him were dropped after he completed a probation program. In 2010, Soul married Helen Snell, whom he had met eight years prior. He is survived by Snell and his six children, consisting of five sons and a daughter.

David Soul's legacy as a talented actor, singer, and entertainer will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his fans and loved ones. His contributions to the world of television and music will forever be cherished, and his vibrant spirit and dedication to his craft will continue to inspire generations to come.