Starsky and Hutch actor David Soul dead at 80

The wife of the acting icon, who was one half of the 1970s cop drama Starsky and Hutch, announced his death on Friday.

Starsky and Hutch actor David Soul dead at 80.

US-British actor David Soul, who found fame on iconic 1970s series Starsky and Hutch, has died aged 80.

As Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchison, he starred with Paul Michael Glaser in the series about two California police detectives from 1975 to 1979.

Soul’s wife Helen Snell said he died on Thursday following a “valiant battle for life in the loving company of family”.

(L – R) David Soul, Paul Michael Glaser, and Antonio Fargas, stars of the original 1970s Starsky and Hutch television series, arrive at the 2004 London premiere of the new movie based on the TV series.

“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.”

Soul and Glaser would return as the two detectives in a 2004 movie remake of Starsky and Hutch which starred Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.

Actor Paul Michael Glaser (l) with David Soul in scene from Starsky and Hutch

Before that series he had also starred in the TV show Here Come the Brides and the 1973 film Magnum Force with Clint Eastwood.

Also a singer, he managed to score several number one hits in the UK, US and Europe.

Born in Chicago the actor and singer was married five times and had six children.

David Soul in Starsky and Hutch.

Soul as Jerry Springer in musical Jerry Springer - The Opera in 2004.

In the 1990s, Soul moved to the UK and began a new career as a West End stage actor including a notable role as reality show host Jerry Springer in 2004’s Jerry Springer The Opera. He also starred in major BBC hospital series Holby City.

He obtained British citizenship in 2004 and married Ms Snell in 2010.

Originally published as Starsky and Hutch actor David Soul dead at 80