David Soul, best known as Hutch from ‘Starsky and Hutch,’ led a remarkable life marked by faith and fame.
Born in Chicago on August 28, 1943, David Richard Solberg, rose to stardom in the 1970s. As Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson, he became a cultural icon. Beyond ‘Starsky and Hutch,’ Soul’s career spanned over five decades, including numerous films and TV shows. Besides acting, Soul was a successful singer. His 1976 hit “Don’t Give Up on Us” topped the charts, and he released albums in the 70s and 80s.
Raised in a deeply religious household, his father, a Lutheran minister and history professor, influenced his early life. The family’s move to Berlin, due to his father’s appointment as a religious affairs adviser, exposed young David to a unique environment. “It was well before the wall and the aftermath of the Second World War was still very much in evidence,” he recalled. Their home became a refuge for people fleeing East Berlin, embodying his family’s commitment to faith and service. “The atmosphere was strict when I was growing up but tempered by love,” Soul described. “We were a very, very religious family – we weren’t fundamentalists, just very worshipful and gave credit to God for almost everything.”
However, as he grew older, Soul drifted from his religious roots. His life became marked by personal struggles, including teen pregnancy, multiple failed marriages, and alcohol issues. “I went through a stage of rejection but I didn’t reject it [faith] by saying anything, it was by acting it,” he admitted. His focus on fame overshadowed his personal relationships, a realization he later acknowledged with regret.
Despite these challenges, Soul eventually sought to mend his relationships and return to his faith. At age 80, he passed away surrounded by his family. His wife Helen described his last moments as peaceful. He had battled lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, likely due to his heavy smoking.
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. His smile, laughter and…
— David Soul (@DavidRSoul) January 5, 2024
David Soul is survived by his wife Helen Snell, six children, and seven grandchildren. His life story, beyond his acting and singing successes, is a poignant narrative of faith, fall, and redemption.
David Soul’s life reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God’s love and forgiveness are always within reach.