Remembering A Versatile Talent David Soul died he was
On January 4, 2024, the entertainment industry bid farewell to the multi-talented
David Soul, leaving behind a legacy that spanned acting, singing, and stage performances he was 80. Born on August 28, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Soul's remarkable career left an indelible mark on both American and British audiences.
August 28, 1943 – January 4, 2024)
Acting Career: From "Starsky & Hutch" to "Salem's Lot"
David Soul's acting journey unfolded over five decades, but he rose to prominence in the late 1970s with his portrayal of Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the iconic American television series "Starsky & Hutch" from 1975 to 1979. His versatility shone through as he took on diverse roles, including Joshua Bolt on "Here Come the Brides" (1968-1970) and the lead in the 1979 TV movie adaptation of Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot.
Soul's breakthrough came with "Magnum Force" in 1973, where he played Officer John Davis alongside Clint Eastwood. His notable guest appearances on TV included shows like "Star Trek," "I Dream of Jeannie," and "McMillan & Wife." Notably, he directed episodes of "Starsky & Hutch," showcasing his talents extended beyond acting.
Musical Success: Chart-Topping Hits
Beyond the screen, Soul found success as a singer, capturing hearts with his chart-topping single "Don't Give Up on Us" in 1977, a song that claimed the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as in the UK and Canada. He continued his musical journey with hits like "Silver Lady," achieving further success on the UK Singles Chart.
International Ventures: A Move to the UK
In the 1990s, David Soul made a significant move, transplanting his career to the United
Kingdom. This transition led to a successful run on the West End stage, where he showcased his talents in productions like "Comic Potential" and "Blood Brothers." He also made cameo appearances in British TV shows, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Personal Life: A Journey Through Five Marriages
Soul's personal life reflected a journey marked by five marriages. Despite the challenges and complexities, including struggles with alcoholism, his life journey continued with love, companionship, and a final marriage to Helen Snell in 2010. David Soul embraced British citizenship in 2004, expressing his desire to spend the rest of his life in the UK with Helen.Soul was married five times and had five sons and a daughter.[7]
In 1964, Soul's first marriage was to Mirriam "Mim" Solberg (née Russeth). The couple had one child, before divorcing in 1965.[2][50]
Soul's second marriage was to actress Karen Carlson. They married in 1968, after they met on the set of the television series Here Come the Brides in which Carlson had a role.[51] They had a son together, Jon-Kristjian, before the couple divorced in 1977.[51]
During the years he was filming Starsky & Hutch, Soul had an open relationship with actress Lynne Marta.[52]
In 1980, three years after his second divorce, Soul married Patti Carnel-Sherman, ex-wife of Bobby Sherman.[2] Soul was ordered to attend therapy classes for alcoholism and anger management after attacking her when she was seven months pregnant with his child.[53][2] Soul was step-father to Carnel-Sherman's children. The couple divorced in 1986.[2]
A year later In 1987, Soul married Singaporean-American actress Julia Nickson.[27] They had a daughter, China Soul, who is a singer-songwriter.[54] Nickson urged Soul to seek help for his excessive drinking, persuading him to enter a rehabilitation facility in 1989.[55]
Soul married his fifth and last wife, Helen Snell, on June 26, 2010, in Devon.[56] Snell, who was 31 years younger than Soul, was a public relations officer in the British stage production of Deathtrap.[57] They had been in a relationship since 2002 after meeting when Soul was working in the play.[58] Thereafter, he referred to her as his soulmate.[57]
In 2004, Soul obtained British citizenship.[59] He credited his relationship with Snell as his reason for obtaining citizenship and stated that, "I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life in the U.K. with Helen."[56]
Soul was a three-pack-a-day cigarette smoker for fifty years.[60] Although he had stopped smoking ten years prior to his death, he was seriously affected by COPD and had also had a lung removed due to cancer.[60][61] Soul died in a London hospital, surrounded by his family, on January 4, 2024, at the age of 80.[27]
Legacy: A Soulful Journey Remembered
David Soul's passing on January 4, 2024, marked the end of an era. His contributions to entertainment, from the gritty streets of "Starsky & Hutch" to the melodious tunes that captivated hearts, ensured his place in the annals of showbiz history. As fans remember the man of many talents, his legacy lives on in the timeless characters he brought to life and the music that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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