‘Starsky & Hutch’ star David Soul dies at 80 after “Valiant battle for life’ with his loving wife at his side

David Soul, renowned for his role in the iconic Starsky and Hutch TV series, has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged struggle with health challenges.

Sources indicate that the actor breathed his last late last week, on January 4, 2024, at a London hospital. Surrounded by loved ones, he bid farewell, marking the departure of another television legend from a bygone era.

Helen Snell, Soul’s wife, disclosed that he succumbed to his battle for life last Thursday, “in the loving company of family.”

“He shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as an actor, singer, storyteller, creative artist, and dear friend,” she expressed.

“His smile, laughter, and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”

Soul soared to fame starring alongside Paul Michael Glaser in the acclaimed Starsky and Hutch series, which aired from 1975 to 1979.

In his later years, the actor resided in London with his family, including his wife Helen and six children.

Reports suggest that Soul’s health had declined over the last decade, grappling with various issues, including a chronic lung condition resulting from a lifetime of smoking.

In a 2019 interview with the Sunday Times, Soul credited his wife for playing a crucial role in his recovery from numerous health setbacks. “I am a fighter,” he asserted, emphasizing, “without Helen, I never would have made it.”

Post his stint in Starsky and Hutch, Soul featured in various TV shows, some of which were UK-based after his move across the Atlantic. Despite selling the rights to Starsky and Hutch for a modest sum, he declined substantial paychecks for reality TV appearances, stating to the Sunday Times: “These days anybody is a celebrity and, frankly, there’s nothing to celebrate.”

The late actor found joy in family life and championed animal rights, supporting The Animals Voice in their fight against cruelty.

Rest in peace, David Soul! Feel free to leave a comment if you’ve been a fan of any of his work.