David Soul’s Health Is Failing Him at 80 Years Old
David Soul’s Health Is Failing Him at 80 Years Old
David Soul, the iconic American and British actor and singer, is currently facing serious health issues at 80 years old. Despite his age and health challenges, he remains a respected figure in popular culture. Let’s delve deeper into his life and career and explore the impact his health battles have had on him.
The Early Years of David Soul
David Soul, born David Richard Salberg on August 28, 1943, in Chicago, comes from a religious family. His father, Dr. Richard Salberg, served as a senior representative for the organization Lutheran World Relief during the reconstruction of Germany after World War II. This led to Soul spending part of his childhood in Berlin, where he attended the Berlin American High School.
He began his artistic career as a folk singer, performing under the name “The Covered Man” in clubs and on television. Soul gained recognition after he appeared on The Merv Griffin Show in 1966, revealing his identity and transitioning into acting using his real name.
From Singer to Actor: David Soul’s Career Highlights
Soul’s transition into acting marked the beginning of a successful career. In the late ’60s, he appeared in several TV shows, including “Flipper,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” and “Star Trek.” However, his breakthrough came in 1975 when he was cast as Detective Kenneth Hutchinson, or Hutch, in the hit series “Starsky and Hutch.”
“Starsky and Hutch” became a massive success, running for four seasons and amassing a huge following. Alongside his acting career, Soul achieved success as a singer. His single “Don’t Give Up on Us” reached number one on the UK singles chart in 1977, and his other hit single, “Silver Lady,” also topped charts in various countries.
In addition to his television and music career, Soul starred in the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Salem’s Lot” and had a successful stage career, appearing in productions such as “Blood Brothers,” “Jerry Springer – The Opera,” and “Tell Me on a Sunday.”
A Lasting Friendship with Paul Michael Glaser
One of the defining aspects of Soul’s career is his long-standing working relationship and friendship with Paul Michael Glaser, who portrayed Detective David Starsky in “Starsky and Hutch.” The chemistry between the two actors was palpable on screen and contributed to the show’s success and enduring popularity.
Soul and Glaser developed a close friendship both on and off the set. Despite the pressures of sudden fame and intense filming schedules, they provided support to each other during challenging times. Even after the show ended in 1979, they continued to work in the entertainment industry, occasionally reuniting for “Starsky and Hutch”-related events.
Tumultuous Personal Life
Soul’s personal life has been marked by several marriages and relationships. He has been married six times and has six children from his different marriages. Throughout his life, he has faced challenges, including struggles with alcohol addiction and legal issues related to domestic violence.
Health Battles and Triumphs
Over the past decade, Soul has faced various health challenges. He suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that causes difficulty in breathing. However, his most significant health battle occurred in 2017 when he needed a hip replacement surgery.
Following the surgery, Soul slipped into a coma and was in the Intensive Care Unit for 10 weeks. Doctors initially believed he wouldn’t survive and transferred him to palliative care. Against all odds, Soul persisted and eventually recovered. He spent a total of 72 days in intensive care and had to rely on a tracheostomy and ventilator to breathe. It was a long and arduous journey, but Soul’s strength and the care of his wife, Helen, played vital roles in his recovery.
In 2020, Soul sued the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) over a surgery he had in 2013, claiming it left him with nerve damage and mobility issues. The lawsuit was reportedly settled in 2021.
David Soul at 80 Years Old
At 80 years old, David Soul continues to face the effects of various illnesses and health challenges. He is unable to sing or perform as much as he used to but remains engaged in life with the support of his wife, Helen. Despite his health struggles, Soul maintains a positive outlook and strives to stay as healthy as possible.
David Soul’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. From his early days as a folk singer to his iconic role in “Starsky and Hutch,” Soul has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Despite health setbacks, he remains an inspiration to many.
FAQs
1. How long was David Soul in intensive care?
David Soul spent a total of 72 days in intensive care.
2. What health issues does David Soul face?
David Soul suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has faced other health challenges over the years.
3. How many children does David Soul have?
David Soul has six children from his various marriages.
