Iconic ‘Starsky And Hutch’ Actor Passes Away At 80

David Soul, the intrepid actor-turned-singer who gave the world a cult-classic performance in the 1970s “Starsky and Hutch” series, has passed away at 80, according to the Daily Mail.

Soul’s wife confirmed the circumstances of his passing, writing in a statement that he lost a “valiant battle for his life” while surrounded by family in his final hours.

“David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family,” wife Helen Snell said in a statement.

“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.”

The fictional show about two California detectives battling criminals ran for just four years between 1975 and 1979 but lived on as an international sensation and heartthrob, holding staying power both on screen and in the studio.

Following the fourth season of “Starsky and Hutch,” Soul held memorable roles in “The Enforcer,” a sequel to the Clint Eastwood classic “Dirty Harry,” as well as the 1979 adaptation of Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot.”

His on-screen success propelled Soul into the arena of pop music, releasing chart-topping singles in 1977 including “Going In With My Eyes Open” and “Silver Lady,” a run that lasted twelve months and five singles later concluded with a respectable showing with “Sure Brings Out The Love In Your Eyes.”

Soul’s cult following helped in part to bring “Starsky and Hutch” to the big screen in 2004 as Ben Still and Owen Wilson reprised the titular roles in a box office success, pulling in $170 million on a $60 million budget. Soul and his on-screen partner Paul Michael Glaser made a small appearance in the film, granting the new duo a replacement Gran Torino to replace theirs lost during a car chase.

The Chicago native met Snell, his fifth wife, in 2002 while touring the UK for a theater run of the Ira Levin play Deathtrap, and the couple went on to marry in 2010. He is survived by six children from previous marriages.