Afternoon:
10°c
I meet David Soul in the dimly lit basement room of a Cuban-themed bar in Soho, which, were it not for the clean-cut French waiters and the smoking ban, might easily pass as a nightclub set from Starsky and Hutch, the California-based cop show that made Soul globally famous in the 1970s. There is something mildly illicit about the venue, which he has chosen: it's 4.30pm and a sunny day outside, but we're indoors, underground in a windowless room. Soul is drinking white wine and water.
He looks a little dishevelled, unlike his snappily-dressed alter-ego Ken Hutchinson, in denim jacket, blue T-shirt and loafers without socks. But he'll be 65 next month and, of course, his blond hair is grey, his eyes not nearly so piercing and his face rounder and less refined. At last, Soul has escaped his beauty. “All my life I tried to run away from my looks,” he tells me at one point. “I was really a pretty boy, but I hated all that stuff. That blond hunk thing, that gorgeous blue-eyed guy' image. That was bullshit.”
Soul is about to take part in the BBC's Maestro series, an upmarket reality TV show following eight celebrity contestants as they learn the rudiments of orchestral conducting and then battle it out, on live TV, to conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra at Hyde Park on the last night of the Proms.
The opening documentary introduces each contestant — among them Goldie, Jane Asher and Alex James — with a short film, and in Soul's case we see clips of, yes, the blond hunk Hutch, and then of Soul singing his 1976 hit single Don't Give Up On Us looking sweetly, girlishly beautiful. Even then, he says, he didn't know how to handle the fame his looks, and voice, brought.
“When you first get that crazy fame, by God, it's difficult. No one teaches you how to handle that. I came from the Mid-west and we didn't know about any of this stuff. Our lives there in the 1960s revolved around the family farm; that was the bedrock. Fame was very much a Hollywood or a New York concept.”
When Soul first started singing — well before Starsky and Hutch — he took to the stage, and later the set of Merv Griffin's popular 1960s talk show, wearing a ski mask; creating a cultish persona known only as The Covered Man. “I didn't want to be known for my face, but for my music,” he asserts. “Really. That's why I put that mask on ... I think I always fought against the image that was created of me. The mask was still there, even after I'd taken if off.”
Armchair psychologists might say that many of Soul's subsequent, well-publicised problems — four divorces, alcoholism, near penury in the early 1990s (“I didn't have any money,” he laughs, “the bank took my house away in 1993”) — all stem from that initial, internalised, battle.
In 1995 Soul settled in London with his then partner, actress Alexa Hamilton. Rarely, it seems, has he been single for very long. He has six children by his various wives, ranging in age from late teens to 45, plus five grandchildren, scattered across America. He calls it the Soul “diaspora”. “It's one of the drawbacks of not living in the States that I don't get to see them as often as I'd like. But they've all visited.”
He now lives in north London and has a long-term British girlfriend who is an arts PR. In 2001 he took a cameo role on Holby City but has since carved out a solid acting career in theatre, with the lead role in the West End production of Jerry Springer: The Opera, and a starring performance in a 2006 production of Mack and Mabel. He has directed episodes of TV series and written scripts.
Most peculiarly, in 2004 Soul took British citizenship. “Yeah, I had to go up to Haringey, that's where the dirty deed was done,” he cackles. “I swore, and sang God Save the Queen.”
Soul's life here revolves at least in part around the Emirates Stadium. As a young man he was good enough to play baseball professionally, but is now a passionate Gooner. He says he gave up his season ticket because he's “away too often to make it worthwhile”, but is not above begging or borrowing to get a regular football fix. “That's kind of my definition of a friend,” he says, laughing, but not entirely joking. “Someone who has access to Arsenal tickets.”
Soul's musical ability came from his parents, though he didn't appreciate it as a kid growing up. In the late 1940s the family — Soul and his four younger brothers and sisters — lived in Berlin, where his father, an academic and Lutheran minister, went to help refugee organisations.
Back in the States they settled in Little Sioux, South Dakota. “I was force-fed classical music all the time. This was the mid-1950s, the time of the Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Bill Haley and the Comets, and that's what all my buddies were listening to. But I was never allowed to.” He imitates a shrill female voice: “Stop that now!' my mother used to say. She would sing Schubert and Schumann and Brahms. She had this women's singing circle, and they'd all come round once a week, and it was the last thing I wanted to do, sit around with all these...chickens.
“I was dragged to concerts, too — but I do remember being fascinated by my father's emotion during them. He'd make these little noises, these gasps for breath, and there'd be a little wetness in his eye. It was a very conservative household, suffused, I guess, by this religious morality. Father came from German-Norwegian stock so he was pretty dour, but here he was, actually feeling something, and expressing it.”
As soon as Soul could escape, he did, and fled first to Minneapolis with his high-school sweetheart Mim, whom he married, and then to New York. In the back of his mind he still clung to some of that Midwest morality.
“Some of it definitely rubbed off on me. A work ethic. And the looks thing, again. I grew up believing that looks weren't something you judged someone by. The substance of a person was much more important.” To an extent, then, Soul believed that his own handsomeness was a fraudulent means of attracting interest; vaguely immoral, even.
But he did attract interest — and plenty of it. After appearing in the 1973 Dirty Harry sequel Magnum Force alongside Clint Eastwood, Soul signed a deal with 20th Century Fox, “bought a white sports coat”, and moved to LA, where in 1975 he began filming Starsky and Hutch.
In Britain it was one of the few US shows on TV in the 1970s, creating an iconic version of urban America that, even now, generations brought up on it find hard to shift. Every schoolboy had a red and white Starsky and Hutch toy car, and every schoolgirl (subconsciously absorbing the casual 1970s sexism of the show alongside the macho sentimentality and exciting violence) had a pre-pubescent crush on either Soul or his co-star Paul Michael Glaser.
“I guess it sounds pretty arrogant,” says Soul now, “but we ran 20th Century Fox. From the guard at the front gate of the lot to the crews on set to the guys who made the money. Paul and I were clear in what we wanted that show to be and we delivered. A lot of it was tongue-in-cheek. We'd take these shit scripts and we'd insert stuff, improvise stuff. We made fun of ourselves and of each other. It was a cash machine to the network and I guess the producers thought: Hey, these guys have got something.'”
Of course, he should have made millions from the show. But in the early days no one had expected such a hit, and Soul and Glaser, alas, each signed away their 7.5 per cent share in the show for $100,000 shortly before international syndication made the real money. Naivety, or bad advice? “Both, both,” says Soul. Of course, he still had enough to fund a period of lavish living in LA — but not enough to sustain it. And though he kept working throughout the 1980s — his CV lists a raft of mini-series and TV movies — the conflicted boy from South Dakota, caught up in a world of Hollywood excess, also began to fight the booze.
Problems with alcohol are mundane and boring, he says now, curtly, uncomfortable with my questions. He acknowledges the selfishness of that time, though, and has said in the past that he was difficult to live with, which is surely an understatement. In the early 1980s Soul made headlines for hitting his third wife Patti Carnel, who was then seven months pregnant, and landed up in prison. Later he went on an anger management course, and, to his credit, visited a number of gaols to discuss publicly domestic violence with inmates. He claims he has always been a “mellow” person, though the evidence clearly suggests otherwise.
When I ask him what his greatest regret is he pauses and then talks at his wine glass. “My biggest regrets deal with personal behaviour, for which I am very remorseful. But shit, man, I've seen it all. I grew up in Berlin right after the war. I've travelled the world, I've scaled the height of fame and watched the cockroaches creep up the walls …I've had a lot of money and I've had none.”
Did the anger come out of frustration? “No, anger is a good emotion because it's a form of strength,” he replies. He differentiates between uncontrolled rage and controlled anger. “If anger is used well, it's a valuable tool. It's the difference between putting your car in gear and going forwards with purpose and putting it in reverse and smashing into a brick wall. Well, I've hit too many brick walls in my life.”
I ask him why he took out British citizenship. He is vehemently anti-Bush — he once stuffed envelopes for JFK's campaign in South Dakota — but that can't be the reason? “No, I could be angry about the political and military course the US has taken and still go back there. You know, I've finally got a life here. I have no desire to go back to LA. It's such an impersonal and business-oriented place. I want to stay here, maybe move to the country.”
But what he really wanted to do with his shiny new Britishness was go to Cuba — a trip you can't make with an American passport. In Havana he hung out with Cuba's most popular band, Buena Fe, who have since restyled Don't Give Up On Us in extravagantly Cuban fashion — the single is released today and an album of greatest hits follows next month.
But there's a flash of anger when I ask whether the album, as well as Maestro, is a concerted attempt to relaunch his career. “I've been 45 years in this business,” he says crossly, “and it seems like I've been relaunched so many times I've lost count. I have tenacity and joy and passion for what I do. I don't think about it in terms of relaunching' anything. I don't think in terms of acquisitions or money.”
As we leave, I notice two women eyeing Soul curiously. They don't recognise him properly — they're too young — but they know that they should recognise him from somewhere. And there's something a bit sad about that: such a huge star, such a slice of TV history, walking away unknown.
Maestro is on BBC2 at 9pm tomorrow.
Reader views (27)
Raising my hand. I "fell" for David as a young teen, about 13. Bought the magazines. Bought the albums "David Soul" and "Playing to an Audience of One". Grew up and once in a while played the albums. Sang "Tomorrow Child" to my kids and grandson.
Recently found the first season of "Starsky and Hutch" and also happened to find my old magazines. My posters still elude me but I am sure they are around because there is NO way I would have thrown them away.
Since all this happened I have been reading all about him online. I thought maybe I had fell for him again but realize that I didn't. I loved him all along.
I just discovered there are more albums I missed and hope maybe to aquire.
It seems amazing that I am now older by far than he was when he played Hutch. I still admire his talent and I think he is still a handsome man. He has "it" and age won't change that.
Wishing him the joy in life that he has given to others.
Love always
Robin
- Robin C., Georgia, USA, 09/09/2010 02:10
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so ,our hearthrob has aged!Haven`t we all??LOL..
STILL love listening to Davids` music ,as i did when in my early teens......I think he`s lovely..:):):)
ps...would like to see more of him though!
- sarah, sussex uk, 05/08/2010 00:53
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I am a David Soul fan since child-hood and remain one to this day. Mr. Soul is a great actor and singer and seems to escape some journalist views. Starsky and Hutch was a great show because of Soul and Glaser. The friendship of the characters was believable because you could see the genuine care and friendship of the two actors. Every role that I have seen Mr. Soul portray, I have seen the character he is molding on screen. That speaks for his acting ability. When I watch Hanoi Hilton, I don't say, "oh, look at Hutch or look at David." He truly takes on the character and becomes the character. You can't say that about all actors.
Yes, he was a beautiful man in his younger days, but guess what, he is still a beautiful man now. Inside and out, his beauty shines through. I truly appreciate his honesty. He is undeniably honest, even when revealing flaws.
I don't know the journalist who wrote this article, but if you are Mr. Soul's age or blessed to reach his age, you will not look the same either. I would recognize Mr. Soul, because I am a fan. There are people, I am sure I have been around, that I didn't recognize. But guess what, even if I should be so lucky and blessed to find myself in his presence, I would not disturb him or ask for an autograph. I would simply say hello and be thankful for that opportunity. Everyone deserves a private life without constant interruptions even if you are in the public eye. Yes, I still have a love for Mr. Soul, but I also have respect.
- Kay Turner, Carrollton, TX USA, 24/07/2010 18:59
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"As we leave, I notice two women eyeing Soul curiously. They don't recognise him properly — they're too young — but they know that they should recognise him from somewhere. And there's something a bit sad about that: such a huge star, such a slice of TV history, walking away unknown."
I'm not that old, btw. Starsky and Hutch was shown in Metro Manila in the early 80's. David Soul has a hit song NOW recorded with a local talent we have and I hear it on the radio everyday. His song "don't Give Up on Us Baby" is a primetime tele-novela made into a movie in some parts of Asia.
People here get their "paypal" (a real hassle ) to enable them to buy the Starsky and Hutch season dvds and that only happened (at least here) because we do love David Soul and he's extremely talented .. gave us joy.. no matter how YOU THINK HE LOOKS today. Oh yeah, same affection goes to Paul Michael Glaser and we don't expect him to still look like" Starsky". If you want idols who don't age, you may as well look for vampires! We're into humans!
Oh and if anyone knows Mr. Saul's real email address, please leave a message here:) I am 30 and I wanna send him roses..
- Cynthia, Metro Manila, Philippines, 19/05/2010 19:04
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This is the kind of journalism which destroys people more than it tries to simply report objectively. All the "NOW-guys IN" Hollywood can't compare to David Soul. It was the US Showbiz media that destroyed his image in the first place... and I think comparing him to a Starsky and Hutch character whom I watched when I was 8 years old is silly. "Hutch" is frozen in time (I have my dvds and I wanted to marry him at 8) while David Soul is human, thus, prone to all the "mistakes" he has made.He may be a bit"disheveled" compared to his "Hutch" character but we sane people love him an never expected him to be perfect and forever "young looking". We love David Soul and he has been one of the most underrated artists of the 70-80s (same goes to Paul Michael Glaser). No one can sing "Don't Give Up" or "A Simple Man" like he does. Also, please be aware of his humanitarian efforts. Hey, we don't care what he looks like TODAY... it isn't "news" that people grow old. We still love him and his music.
- Cynthia, Metro Manila, Philippines, 19/05/2010 18:40
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As great as S&H was and still is for those of us who still like to indulge, anyone who's actually followed David's acting career will know the diversity of roles he's undertaken over the years and acknowledge his talent. He has never really had the level of credit he deserves. Then again isn't that the nature of the beast?
- Ally, Norwich, UK, 09/04/2010 16:02
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I love David Soul since I was a little girl!He is a handsome man till now!But he looks a little bit chubby now..ha..ha..ha..sorry to say that..Anyway..he is my idol till now..You still handsome David!love u very-very much!I love you! 
- Wannny, Malaysia, 01/01/2010 08:42
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David Soul - an idol of mine since the S&H days which I still watch today (along with Here Come The Brides) His albums are among my all time faves and love playing them still. What a voice!
Good luck in all that you do David, you deserve the good things that come your way.
- Ally, Norwich, UK, 06/12/2009 23:51
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I have just read this interview although it is a year old, bit behind the times i'm afraid. I was one of the pre-pubescent girls who had a crush on David and I still have over 35 years later. He is hugely talented both as an actor and singer. His later music is just as good if not better than his 70s stuff. He should be proud of all he has achieved and is still an inspiration to all his fans. It's good to see he is finally comfortable in his skin, we all have insecurities about our looks and bodies, no matter how others perceive us.
Keep on doing what you're doing David, we all love you.
- Shaz, IOW, England, 28/09/2009 17:59
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I would have recognized him anywhere and it`s not sad, he`s accomplished a lot and if people don`t recognize him it`s their loss! I love the man not just for his looks ( he looks great still), but for his talent and his lovely soul!
- Nancy Easlon, Odessa TX USA, 28/09/2009 16:59
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"But there's a flash of anger when I ask whether the album, as well as Maestro, is a concerted attempt to relaunch his career. “I've been 45 years in this business,” he says crossly, “and it seems like I've been relaunched so many times I've lost count. I have tenacity and joy and passion for what I do. I don't think about it in terms of relaunching' anything. I don't think in terms of acquisitions or money.” "
I'm not surprised there was a 'flash of anger' when that question was asked. Anyone who has followed David's career,and many that haven't, would know that he never went away and therefore never had the need to 're-launch' himself into his profession. Maybe a bit more research on the part of the interviewer would have been nice.
A great interview from David though. I can't wait to see him in action in Maestro.
- Sarah, Branston, Staffs, 28/09/2009 16:59
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Davdi Soul will always be one of my favourite actors/singers. The singing voice, oh that voice, has such "pleasing" qualities in it--very lovely. One must admire the sheer candidness, sincerity, and honesty of David Soul as is demonstrated once again in this article.
- Marianne, Stroudsburg, PA, USA, 28/09/2009 16:59
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David. You was robbed on Maestro, I was looking forward to more musicality.
- Liz, Suffolk England, 28/09/2009 16:59
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Like many others David Soul has been a large part of my life since 14. We don't see or hear enough of him, so to see him on Maestro was delightful albeit a little to short. Yes I also feel he was robbed, there is a lot more to our David than people give him credit for. I look forward to hearing the new CD and hope that we shall see him on stage or TV again very soon.
- Kay Davies, Bristol, England., 28/09/2009 16:59
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I love you David!!!
- Patricia Morales, Argentina, 28/09/2009 16:59
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I know, that this interview is one year old, but I read it only today. I didn´t know Mr.Soul until recently ( I am ashamed a litlle bit), but he is unknown in our country (whatœ a pity !). After my listening to his songs on Youtube, finding out more info about his live and work, I admire him like an actor, singer and human... I envy all people which can meet him face-to-face and shake hand with him. I am triing to buy his new CD, but it is not possible in Slovakia . So, it is a reason to visit London :-)))
Thank you for this interview . I wish you and Mr.Soul the best in yours lives.
- Marta Babikova, Nitra - Slovak republic, 28/09/2009 16:59
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Ha, its a relaunch as much as the interviewer's article is a "re-launch," or an artist painting his next portrait is a relaunch. Why does everyone assume the definition of success must be based on your number of hits on OMG or grosses at the box office. The man is one of the most talented and entertaining people on the planet and too many people are missing that. I just hope he continues to get noticed enough by the powers that be so we can see more of him and his talent.
- David (Not Soul), Washington DC, 28/09/2009 16:59
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David is almost always asked if he's still in touch with Paul Glaser and usually says something like, "he's my best friend," which sounds very 3rd grade, I know...but it's David volunteering the "best friend line" not anyone asking if they're best friends. I'm sure most journalists interviewing him are too cynical to ask either one of them if the other is "still his best friend."
Great interview. Funny about how he felt he was a "pretty boy." He was very cute when he was younger...I wouldn't have called him "pretty" by the time Starsky and Hutch came along. He was a handsome man.
- Ellen, USA, 28/09/2009 16:59
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David is an honest and humble man. He is hugely talented, both as a singer and an actor.
He should be remembered for more than just "Starsky and Hutch" and "Don't Give Up On Us."
I bet he gets sick of the same old questions. For once this interviewer didn't ask if Paul Glaser is still his best friend....oh please!
Anyway David, you are wonderful. xx
- Jo, London Uk, 28/09/2009 16:59
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Come on....You can bet that every actor has gotten that look from someone. That 'I know you from somewhere but I don't know where' look. It's not "a bit sad" it's just that most people don't usually expect to see someone they've seen in movies or on tv right in front of them...and it throws people. Also, DS doesn't look like the man he did at the height of his fame, 25 YEARS AGO, so it's to be expected that he won't be recognised out and about.
- Wilma, NY, 28/09/2009 16:59
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I have followed David from way back when... heard about him from a friend in the states before Starsky and Hutch... he has been an inspiration to me in many ways for which I thank him.
I wish more people would remember him and give him credit for far more than Starsky and Hutch. He is a remarkable man .
- Maggie Murphy-King, Clevedon. N.Somerset . UK, 28/09/2009 16:59
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What a lovely interview, for me David Soul has been in my life since the early days when I was 14, and still here at 42! Some commitment eh? I find that he's gone from sexy to just pure inspirational. You still have that debonair about you - and maestro - you're brilliant!
- Elayne, Ascot, England, 28/09/2009 16:59
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Thank you for this interview. In some ways it makes me sad for him. Noone deserves to go through what he has although it most certainly happens way too often in this world. I hope by reading this people will realize that people in "show business" should not be put on a pedestal just because of what they do or what they look like. I hope very much Mr. Soul remains in London if that is where he is happy and will live the rest of his life happy. Thanks again
- Lou Ann Pugliese, Cisco Texas United States, 28/09/2009 16:59
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i have been a fan of david soul for more years than i can remember from being a blondi which i was called and now being a greyish haired grandma he was and is misunderstood people didnt take him serious always waiting for something to happen so they can get there juicy stories bad things happen in everybodies life just got to know how to get over it and be a better person for it like mr david soul did
- Janet B, amman jordan, 28/09/2009 16:59
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I have followed David for many years and was a great fan of Starsky &
Hutch watcing it every week, my bedroom was plastered with pictures no wall could be seen. I saw David Live in London on his Silver Lady Tour. I quered for five hours to buy a ticket what a fantastic memory one I will always remember.
Good Luck to you David.
I admired your name so very much I named my son after you.
My Love to you always
Annxxxxxxxxxxx
- Ann Robson, Ilford Essex England, 28/09/2009 16:59
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I have been a S&H fan since I was 16 (won't say how old I am now!!). I have ready many things about David Soul over the years and am glad that he has been able to overcome so many obstacles in his life. I wish him many more years of sucess and happiness. MGM
- Mgm, Canada, 28/09/2009 16:59
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I have followed David for at least 35 years if not more.
I agree with previous people that he is not given enough credit for all he has achieved.Also I would say he was robbed in maestro ... May you reign for years to come David you deserserve to .
Looking Back is a great CD thankyou for doing it .
maggie
- Maggie, Clevedon . North Somerset, 28/09/2009 16:59
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