Starsky & Hutch star David Soul has died aged 80, his beloved wife, Helen Snell, confirmed on Friday.
The actor and musician – best known for his role as Detective Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson in the classic 1970s crime-solving series – passed away on January 4 surrounded by his loving family.
His wife's statement read: "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."
She added: "His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched."
The late actor, whose cause of death has not yet been revealed, starred opposite Paul Michael Glaser in the series, which ran from 1975 to 1979. In 2004, they reprised their roles in the 2004 Starsky & Hutch remake, starring Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch.
David was also known for his roles in Here Come The Brides, Magnum Force, and The Yellow Rose.
© ABC Photo ArchivesIt wasn't just on the small screen that he enjoyed success. David was also a talented singer; his biggest hits included Don't Give Up on Us, which reached number one in the US charts, and Silver Lady, which went to No. 1 in the UK.
He discovered his passion for music before finding worldwide fame in Starsky & Hutch. After relocating to Mexico City with his family from South Dakota, David learned to play the guitar while attending the University of Americas for one year.
Upon his return to America, he enjoyed some success performing around Minneapolis before his musical career took off when he began performing as 'The Covered Man' and wore a mask to hide his face.
© Getty ImagesDavid was then signed to the William Morris Agency and appeared on several TV talk shows, including multiple appearances on the highly-rated Merv Griffin show.
However, when he decided to ditch the mask, he saw his career as a musician dwindle and so turned to acting instead.
© Getty ImagesAfter beginning his new career on the stage in the sixties as a founding member of the Firehouse Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, David moved to Los Angeles in 1966.
He landed several guest roles in TV shows including Streets of San Francisco before his breakthrough came with Starsky & Hutch. After the show came to an end, David returned to music and released four soft rock albums in the late 1970s.
© Getty ImagesDavid leaves behind six children, including five sons and one daughter. He was married five times before tying the knot with Snell in June 2010 following an eight-year relationship.
Speaking about the love for his wife in a previous interview with The Sunday Times, David said: "There are a lot of things I'd like to do, but, mostly, when I leave this place, I want my wife to be OK."
He added: "I want our love [to] continue to fulfill her, wherever and forever. She's an incredible woman, a truly wonderful person. I'm a lucky guy."
