David Soul, ‘Starsky & Hutch’ Actor, Dead at 80

His wife says the actor died after ‘a valiant battle for life.’

David Soul, (L), Paul Michael Glaser, and Antonio Fargas, (R), stars of the original 1970's "Starsky and Hutch" television series, arrive at the British premiere of the new movie of the same name based on the TV series, in London on March 11, 2004. John D McHugh/AP Photo

David Soul, the actor best known for playing Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson in the popular 1970s TV series “Starsky & Hutch,” passed away on Thursday at the age of 80.

His wife, Helen Snell, said the Chicago-born actor died “after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.” She described him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.”