David Soul–best known to horror fans for his leading role of Ben Mears in the 1979 two-part TV adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 novel Salem’s Lot–has passed away at age 80, according to a report on Deadline.
No specific cause of death was revealed, but Soul’s wife Helen Snell said in a statement that the actor passed away “after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.”
Soul was also famously known for his role of Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson in the popular 1970s Starsky & Hutch TV series, as well as that of Joshua Bolt in the 1960s series Here Come the Brides. He also had a key role in the 1973 Clint Eastwood hit film Magnum Force.
Born in Chicago, Soul began his career as a stage actor in the mid-1960s, before landing roles on The Merv Griffin Show and Star Trek. He also enjoyed a successful singing career, with such pop hits as Don’t Give Up On Us and Silver Lady.
Soul is survived by his wife Helen and six children.
The staff of Horror News Network extends its condolences to Soul’s family, friends and colleagues.
