Starsky and Hutch star David Soul has died aged 80

Starsky & Hutch star David Soul has passed away at the age of 80.

Soul was best known for playing the role of Detective Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson in US action series Starsky & Hutch from 1975 to 1979.

The actor's wife, Helen Snell, confirmed his passing in a statement, explaining the father-of-six passed away yesterday (4 January) 'after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family'.

The full statement reads: "David Soul - beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother - died yesterday (4 January) 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."

Indeed, many fans of the popular 70s cop series Soul is best remembered for have since flocked to social media to commemorate him.

People are flooding to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their memories of the actor many having grown up watching Starsky & Hutch.

ABC

One user said: "Remember this image on so many posters when I was a kid. A talented actor & singer & one of the coolest people alive on the 1970’s rest in peace David Soul."

"I'll be revisiting Tobe Hooper's SALEM'S LOT tonight. David Soul made a tremendous leading man in that adaptation. RIP," another added.

A third commented: "David Soul of Starsky and Hutch fame has died aged 80. I particularly enjoyed watching him in Salems Lot, it terrifies me now as much as it did then. I've been known to belt out his classic hits 'Don't Give Up On Us Baby and Silver Lady' on karaoke, great actor. RIP David."

And a fourth added: "Do not go gentle into that good night, Detective Ken Hutch. Go with screeching tyres and knocking over as many stacked boxes as possible.

Getty Images/ David M. Benett

"Saturday nights were such a thrill ride in the late 70s when Starsky and Hutch was on the box. Farewell #DavidSoul."

Alongside starring opposite Paul Michael Glaser in Starsky & Hutch, Soul was also a singer, releasing hits such as 'Don't Give Up On Us' and 'Silver Lady'.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Topics: Film and TV, Social Media, Celebrity, Twitter

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.