In a career spanning over five decades, David Soul was best known for his role in the iconic television series Starsky & Hutch as Detective Kenneth Hutchinson; however, the star also had a successful career in music, scoring mid-1970s hits with the songs “Silver Lady” and “Don’t Give Up on Us.” Soul died Thursday (January 4) at the age of 80.
Videos by American Songwriter
Releasing a statement of Soul’s death, a post on his Twitter account shared the heartbreaking news. “David Soul—beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother—died yesterday 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. His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”
Fans poured in with more than love for the actor, writing about how he impacted their lives. One fan admitted, “Very sorry for your loss, he was a massive part of my childhood, watching Starsky & Hutch, Salem’s Lot and his number one songs, plus us girls all had a big crush on him! He will be so missed. RIP David”
More than a fan, actress Jane Lambert also shared her sympathy for the family while honoring the actor. She wrote, “I had a poster of him on my bedroom wall and hoped one day to marry him. My teenage self couldn’t believe her luck when, many years later, she got the chance to play his wife while understudying on tour. Such a kind, generous man. Love to his family.”
A Love for Music
While Soul is best known for Starsky & Hutch and roles in movies including Johnny Got His Gun and Magnum Force, he also released five studio albums. His last, Leave a Light On, hit shelves in 1997. He also produced the compilation album Gold in 2020.
Before fans knew Soul as Hutch, many heard his voice without even knowing it. Having a love for music from an early age, the actor learned about music while in Mexico with his father. After returning to the States, he found himself performing on The Merv Giffin Show after donning a mask and calling himself “The Covered Man.” Using that stardom to encourage a career in movies, Soul eventually became an icon.
Besides a career in music and on the silver screen, the actor leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Helen Snell, and six children.
(Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images)
