The principal actors from the iconic 1970s buddy cop show Starsky & Hutch have had varied careers and personal lives since the series concluded, with one of its beloved stars, David Soul, recently passing away.
The Fates of Starsky and Hutch
The show centered on police detectives David Starsky and Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson, portrayed by Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul, respectively. Both actors became household names due to the show's immense popularity.
David Soul (Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson)
David Soul, who famously played the blonde, intellectual half of the duo, Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson, passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 80. His wife, Helen Snell, stated that he died after a "valiant battle for life in the loving company of family." Beyond his acting career, Soul was also a successful singer, famously reaching No. 1 on the charts with his hit song "Don't Give Up on Us" in 1977. His post-Starsky & Hutch career included roles in miniseries like Salem's Lot and a notable period living and working in the United Kingdom, where he performed on stage and television.
Paul Michael Glaser (Det. Dave Starsky)
Paul Michael Glaser, known for his role as the dark-haired, street-smart David Starsky, continued to work extensively in Hollywood as both an actor and a director. After Starsky & Hutch, Glaser appeared in films such as Fiddler on the Roof and Phobia. He transitioned significantly into directing, helming episodes of popular television series like Miami Vice and Las Vegas, as well as feature films like The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kazaam with Shaquille O'Neal. His personal life was marked by tragedy, as his first wife and daughter both contracted HIV through a blood transfusion and later died from AIDS-related complications. Glaser has since become a devoted activist and advocate for AIDS awareness and research, supporting organizations like the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Other Notable Cast Members
Several other actors contributed significantly to the show's dynamic:
- Antonio Fargas (Huggy Bear): The flamboyant informant Huggy Bear was played by Antonio Fargas, who has maintained a steady acting career in film and television roles. He has appeared in films such as Shaft (1971), Car Wash (1976), and Everybody Hates Chris (TV series).
- Bernie Hamilton (Captain Harold Dobey): The no-nonsense Captain Dobey was portrayed by Bernie Hamilton. After Starsky & Hutch, Hamilton continued acting until the early 1990s. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 80.
Summary of Main Cast Members
The table below summarizes the roles and recent fates of the main actors:
| Actor Name | Role in Starsky & Hutch | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| David Soul | Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson | Passed away on January 4, 2024, at age 80. Also known for his music career. |
| Paul Michael Glaser | Detective David Starsky | Continues to work as an actor and director; active in AIDS advocacy. |
| Antonio Fargas | Huggy Bear (Informant) | Remains active in acting, appearing in various film and television roles. |
| Bernie Hamilton | Captain Harold Dobey (Their Boss) | Passed away in 2008 at age 80, after a career primarily in television and film. |
