Actor David Soul, of "Starsky & Hutch" the favored 1970s TV series, has passed away at the age of 80.

January 5, 2024,|Anita Johnson-Brown|The Los Angeles News

LONDON-Actor David Soul, known for his role as detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson in the popular 1970s TV series "Starsky & Hutch", has passed away. His wife, Helen Snell, confirmed his death on Friday, stating that he died on Thursday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.

In a statement, she said, "David Soul - beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother - shared many extraordinary gifts in the world as an 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's portrayal of "Hutch" alongside Paul Michael Glaser as "Starsky" ran on ABC from 1975 to 1979 and became so popular that it spawned a host of children's toys. At the peak of his stardom, Soul recorded the single "Don't Give Up on Us."

After living in Britain for years, Soul performed in several stage roles. In 2001, he won a libel case against a journalist who called "The Dead Monkey," a play that Soul was in, the worst production he had ever seen - without even watching it. Soul also played the titular talk-show host in "Jerry Springer - The Opera" in London's West End.

Soul and Glaser made cameo appearances in the 2004 big-screen remake of "Starsky & Hutch," starring Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson who cast as  Hutch.

David Soul is survived by his family, friends, and fans.

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