David Soul dies aged 80 as tributes flood in for Starsky and Hutch legend
David Soul (right) has died at the age of 80
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Actor David Soul has died at the age of 80, his wife Helen Snell has confirmed.
The actor was best known for his role in the iconic US TV series Starsky & Hutch.
Soul played the leading role of Detective Ken 'Hutch' Hutchinson alongside Paul Michael Glaser's Detective Dave Starsky.
The pair starred opposite one another for four seasons almost five decades ago with the series running from 1975 to 1979 on US network ABC.
His wife Snell said in a statement [via Mirror]: "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.
David Soul's wife Helen Snell announced the news
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“His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched.”
Social media was soon flooded with tributes for Soul after news of his death broke.
One fan said on X, formerly Twitter: "RIP #DavidSoul a big part of my childhood in Starsky & Hutch and brilliant in Salem’s Lot."
This was echoed by a second fan who penned: "OMG just heard the heartbreaking news that Starsky & Hutch legend David Soul has passed away he was an icon sending condolences to his family and friends Rest in Peace David Soul."
Elsewhere, a third added: "RIP David Soul (hutch to you n me) thanks for the great Saturday night telly when I was a kid xx."
A fourth weighed in: "Very sad to hear about David Soul. A much loved family favourite. RIP." (sic)
His Starsky and Hutch legacy has been an ever-present feature for Soul since leaving the role in the late '70s.
Its success even sparked reports last year of plans for an all-female adaptation of the series to be brought to screens.
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David Soul as Hutch
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However, Soul made his feelings clear on a possible reboot of the classic crime-fighting series with female leads in a tweet early last year.
Taking to Twitter in February 2023, Soul tweeted: "Every article mentions the ‘original’ actors by name.
"So why not just reboot Paul and me—as a couple of old farts solving piddly-ass crimes at the assisted living facility where we would now live? Who can do Starsky and Hutch better than him and me?"