Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and Hutch (David Soul), two iconic police detectives, became television sensations during the 1970s. This dynamic duo, along with their trusty vehicle, took the small screen by storm during the American series boom of that era. Little did they know that their lives would forever be changed by the success and fame that followed.
David Soul, the charismatic blond heartthrob, struggled with the pressures of stardom and turned to alcohol for solace. Unfortunately, his addiction led to violent outbursts, including a regretful incident where he struck his pregnant third wife.
As a consequence, he found himself behind bars, undergoing counseling to address his issues. In recent years, Soul has even visited prisons to speak about addiction and domestic violence, determined to raise awareness and make amends. He is now focused on rebuilding relationships with his children from his previous marriages.
Despite the popularity of the show, Soul’s financial situation took a turn for the worse. His excessive drinking and unsuccessful endeavors, such as making documentaries, depleted his wealth. He was forced to sell his share of the series’ rights, missing out on the global relaunch that would have made him a millionaire.
Currently, he leads a modest lifestyle on the outskirts of London with his fifth wife, far from the lavish Bel Air neighborhood he once called home. Time hasn’t been kind to the aging actor, as he battles weight gain, mobility issues, and lingering health problems from his cigarette addiction and past struggle with cancer.
However, he remains grateful for the lessons learned from his past and shares his story as a cautionary tale.
Paul Michael, his dear friend and co-star, also faced his fair share of challenges. Following the end of the series, he married Elizabeth Meyer. Tragedy struck when Elizabeth suffered a major hemorrhage while giving birth to their daughter Ariel, requiring a blood transfusion. Four years later, young Ariel fell ill with a mysterious ailment that doctors were unable to diagnose.
During that time, the world was still grappling with the AIDS epidemic, primarily affecting the LGBT community. Rock Hudson, a well-known actor, became one of the first high-profile victims of the disease in 1985. When doctors decided to test Ariel, it was discovered that both she and her younger brother Jake were HIV-positive. Fortunately, Paul had escaped infection.
The loss of his two loved ones plunged Paul into a deep emotional turmoil. However, he found solace in his HIV-positive son Jack, who now leads a normal life, and dedicated himself to supporting the nonprofit Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which funds research for pediatric AIDS.
In 1996, Paul found love again and married producer Tracy Barone. The couple welcomed a daughter, Zoe, who is now 23 years old. Although they eventually divorced after ten years of marriage, Paul remains active in the industry as a guest actor and film director, drawing strength from his experiences.
Starsky and Hutch may have left a lasting mark on television history, but their personal journeys serve as a reminder that fame and success do not come without their own set of trials and tribulations. Through their triumphs and tragedies, they continue to inspire us with their resilience and determination to find light in even the darkest of moments.
