David Soul is best remembered for his iconic role as Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson in the hit 1970s TV series Starsky & Hutch, which ran from 1975 to 1979. His portrayal of the blond, introspective cop made him a household name and a pop culture fixture. He later returned to the role in the 2004 film adaptation of Starsky & Hutch, bringing a nostalgic touch to a new generation of fans.
But Soul’s talents extended far beyond that signature role. His diverse career spanned film, television, and stage. Among his many credits were Clint Eastwood’s Magnum Force, the cult musical Jerry Springer: The Opera, and popular TV series such as Murder, She Wrote, Unsub, The Yellow Rose, Here Comes the Bride, and the sweeping miniseries Secret of the Sahara.
According to Yahoo! News, David Soul’s wife, Helen Snell, confirmed the beloved actor’s passing in an emotional statement released on January 5, 2024.
“David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – died yesterday (4 January) after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” Snell shared.
She went on to honor his enduring legacy, saying, “He shared many extraordinary gifts with 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 touched.”
David Soul’s journey to stardom began at the age of 24 when he joined a musical revue in North Dakota. It was there that a talent scout spotted his potential, leading to a studio contract that launched his career in Hollywood. His breakout came with Starsky & Hutch, but his legacy was built on decades of memorable performances across film, television, and stage.
Fans can relive some of Soul’s most iconic moments as Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson in clips from Starsky & Hutch, where his quiet intensity and undeniable charm made him a television legend.
A Complex Personal Life Marked by Love and Loss
Throughout his life, Soul was married five times. His first marriage was to Mim Solberg (1963–1966), with whom he had one child. His second marriage, to actress Karen Carlson (1968–1975), also resulted in one child. His third marriage was to Patricia Anne Carnel (1980–1986), and they had two children together. Soul’s fourth marriage was to actress Julia Nickson (1997–1993—a likely error in public records), with whom he had one child.
In 2010, Soul married Helen Snell, his fifth and final wife. The two remained together until his passing in 2024. Although they did not have children together, Snell was by his side during his final moments, surrounded by family.
David Soul was 80 years old at the time of his death. While Snell’s statement did not specify the cause, The Washington Post reported that in recent years, Soul had battled lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is survived by his wife, Helen Snell, and his children.