David Soul was an American actor and singer. He was best known for his role as Sergeant Kenneth Hutchinson on the 1970s television series “Starsky & Hutch”. Soul also starred in other television shows, such as “Here Come the Brides” and “Salem’s Lot,” and had a number-one hit song in the US and UK with “Don’t Give Up on Us”. He died on January 4, 2024, at the age of 80.
Early life and career
David Soul was born in Owatonna, Minnesota, on August 28, 1943. He moved frequently with his family during his youth due to his father’s job as a traveling salesman. Soul began acting in high school and college productions, and after graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.
Soul’s early acting roles included appearances on Broadway and off-Broadway productions. He also appeared in several films, including “McHale’s Navy” (1964) and “Johnny Cool” (1963). In 1965, Soul landed the role of Hutch on the television series “Starsky & Hutch,” which would become his most famous role.
Starsky & Hutch
“Starsky & Hutch” was a television series about two police detectives who worked in Southern California. The show was a hit, and Soul and his co-star, Paul Michael Glaser, became stars. “Starsky & Hutch” ran for four seasons, from 1975 to 1979.
After “Starsky & Hutch” ended, Soul continued to act in television and film. He starred in the miniseries “Salem’s Lot” (1979) and the television series “The Incredible Hulk” (1978–1980). Soul also released several albums of music, and his song “Don’t Give Up on Us” reached number one on the charts in the US and UK in 1979.
Other television roles
In addition to “Starsky & Hutch,” David Soul starred in a number of other television shows, including:
- Here Come the Brides” (1969–1970)
- McCloud” (1970–1971)
- Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law” (1971–1974)
- Starsky and Hutch” (1975–1979)
- The Incredible Hulk” (1978–1980)
- Salem’s Lot” (1979)
- The Fall Guy” (1982–1983)
- Miami Vice” (1984)
- Starsky and Hutch” (2004)
Music career
David Soul was also a singer. He released several albums of music, including:
- David Soul” (1976)
- Playing for Keeps” (1977)
- Don’t Give Up on Us” (1979)
- Starsky & Hutch” (1978)
- Love Stories” (1981)
His song “Don’t Give Up on Us” reached number one on the charts in the US and UK in 1979.
Personal life
David Soul was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Judith Pace from 1965 to 1980. They had one daughter, Jennifer. Soul’s second marriage was to Julia Nickson from 1987 until his death in 2024. They had two daughters, China and Alexis.
Death
David Soul died on January 4, 2024, at the age of 80, from complications of pneumonia.
Legacy
David Soul is best remembered for his role as Sergeant Kenneth Hutchinson on the television series “Starsky & Hutch”. He was also a successful singer and film actor. Soul’s legacy is that of a talented and versatile entertainer who brought joy to millions of people around the world.
