A STAR best known for his role in classic cop show Starsky & Hutch has died aged 80.
David Soul, who made a name for himself as detective Hutch, tragically died yesterday, his heartbroken wife today announced.
Helen Snell said her husband died after a “valiant battle for life”.
Soul was also a singer, and would be known for his many talents outside acting, his wife said.
The dad-of-six would be remembered for his “smile, laughter and passion for life”, she said.
He is said to be survived by his five sons and one daughter China, who followed in her father’s acting and musical footsteps.
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A devastated Helen wrote: “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.”
Soul played Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson in the massive show which ran for four seasons from 1975 to 1979.
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The American-British actor also delved into a music career, too.
He had five hit songs, including: Don’t Give Up On Us, Silver Lady, Let’s Have a Quiet Night In, Topanga, and Bird on a Wire.
MailOnline reported he has been living in the UK since 2010 with Helen.
Soul reportedly said in 2015 how “beautiful” Britain was.
He told the Mail: “I like being in a country steeped in history. I return to the States about three times a year as my five sons all live there, though my daughter lives here.”
In 2019 he and Paul Michael Glaser, who played David Starsky in the Seventies show, revealed they were planning a reunion special.
The duo worked alongside each other for years.
They also made a cameo in the Starsky & Hutch remake back in 2004 with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
Soul was also known for his roles in Here Come The Brides, Magnum Force and The Yellow Rose.
The star was born on August 28, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois.
He got his first acting gig in 1967 when he appeared on the TV series Flipper as Dennis Blake.
In 1968, Soul landed his first gig as a series regular as Joshua Bolt in Here Comes the Brides.
However, it wasn’t until 1975, that Soul broke out into the industry when he landed the lead role as Hutch in the TV series, Starsky and Hutch.
He also played Officer John David in Magnum Force and appeared in the 1979 horror film, Salem’s Lot.
Soul also appeared in Appointment with Death and the 1982 historical thriller, World War II.
The star also went on to appear in TV series Holby City.
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The British citizen also tried his hand at local government.
Soul participated in the successful 1997 election campaign of his friend Martin Bell, who ran as an MP for Tatton, as well as Bell’s unsuccessful campaign in Brentwood in Essex in the 2001 General Election.
