Net Worth Ranker
What Is David Soul’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on January 4, 2024, David Soul, the American actor and singer best known for his role as Sergeant Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson in the 1970s television series “Starsky & Hutch,” had a net worth of $1 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning several decades, encompassing his work in television, film, and music.
Early Career and Television Success
David Soul, born David Solberg on August 28, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, embarked on his acting journey in the mid-1960s. Before achieving mainstream recognition, he was a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis. His early career involved stage productions such as “Baal” and “Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance,” which provided a foundation for his later television and film roles. Soul’s initial foray into the national spotlight occurred in 1966 with an appearance on “The Merv Griffin Show” as the ‘Covered Man.’ While this role did not directly contribute to his net worth, it increased his visibility and opened doors for future opportunities.
His first significant television role came in 1968 with the ABC comedy Western series “Here Come the Brides,” where he played Joshua Bolt. The show ran until 1970. Though specific salary details from this role are not publicly available, it marked a turning point in his career, providing consistent work and a steady income. Subsequent appearances in episodes of series such as “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Flipper,” and “Star Trek” further solidified his presence in the television industry.
David Soul’s breakthrough role as Sergeant Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson in “Starsky & Hutch” (1975-1979) was a pivotal moment. During the show’s four-season run, Soul appeared in 92 episodes, starring alongside Paul Michael Glaser. Although the exact salary per episode is not publicly documented, the success of “Starsky & Hutch” undoubtedly provided substantial earnings and significantly contributed to his overall net worth. The show’s popularity led to further opportunities, including a cameo in the 2004 film version starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
Following “Starsky & Hutch,” David Soul continued to work in television, starring in the miniseries “Salem’s Lot” in 1979. Although details regarding his salary for this role are not publicly available, such a prominent role in a Stephen King adaptation would have commanded a significant fee. In the early 1980s, he appeared in the miniseries “World War III,” the television series adaptation of “Casablanca,” and the soap opera “The Yellow Rose.” His television career continued with roles in “The Key to Rebecca” and “The Fifth Missile.” These roles, while not as high-profile as “Starsky & Hutch,” still contributed to his income stream.
Music Career and Earnings
In addition to his acting career, David Soul achieved considerable success as a singer. In 1977, he released the song “Don’t Give Up on Us,” which reached number one in both the US and the UK. While the exact earnings from this hit song are not publicly detailed, reaching the top of the charts in two major markets would have generated substantial royalties from record sales and airplay. The same year, he also achieved a number-one song in the UK with “Silver Lady,” further boosting his music-related income. These hits led to extensive tours around the world, providing additional revenue through concert ticket sales and merchandise.
Throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, David Soul continued to release albums. While these later albums did not achieve the same level of success as his earlier hits, they still contributed to his overall earnings. The exact figures from these later musical endeavors are not publicly available, but they would have included royalties from sales, airplay, and potential licensing agreements.
Film Career and Contributions
David Soul’s film career, though less prominent than his television work, also contributed to his net worth. He made his big-screen debut in Dalton Trumbo’s 1971 film “Johnny Got His Gun.” Subsequently, he appeared in the 1973 action thriller “Magnum Force” alongside Clint Eastwood. While the specific salaries for these early film roles are not publicly accessible, they were important steps in establishing his presence in the film industry. Soul also starred in “Dogpound Shuffle” (1975) and “The Stick Up” (1977).
In the 1980s, he appeared in the war film “The Hanoi Hilton” and the mystery film “Appointment with Death.” His role in “Pentathlon,” co-starring Dolph Lundgren, marked his only big-screen appearance in the 1990s. Though specific salary figures for these roles are not available, each appearance contributed to his income and net worth. A cameo in the 2004 film adaptation of “Starsky & Hutch” also added to his earnings, likely through a one-time payment for his participation. His final film credits were in “Farewell” (2009) and “Filth” (2013). The earnings from these later film roles, while not substantial, contributed to his overall financial picture.
Later Career on Stage and Relocation to the UK
In the mid-1990s, David Soul moved to the United Kingdom and began acting on the West End stage. He appeared in productions such as “Comic Potential,” “Blood Brothers,” and “Mack and Mabel.” These roles provided a consistent source of income during his time in the UK, with West End performances offering a steady salary. Soul also starred in “Jerry Springer: The Opera” at the Cambridge Theatre and later appeared in a revival of “Love Letters” in Dublin. While specific salary details from these stage productions are not publicly available, working on the West End would have provided a stable income stream.
David Soul’s decision to focus on British television after 2001, with credits including “Holby City,” “Little Britain,” “Poirot,” “Dalziel and Pascoe,” and “Lewis,” ensured a continuous flow of income. Although exact figures for each of these roles are not accessible, consistent work in British television would have contributed to his overall net worth. The move to the UK also potentially offered tax advantages and new financial opportunities that could have influenced his financial standing.
Personal Life and Financial Considerations
David Soul’s personal life included five marriages. His first marriage was to Mirriam Russeth (1964-1965), followed by Karen Carlson (1968-1977), Patti Carnel-Sherman (1980-1986), Julia Nickson (1987-1993), and Helen Snell (2010 until his death). These marriages and subsequent divorces likely had financial implications. Divorce settlements and spousal support payments could have impacted his overall net worth. For example, his third marriage to Patti Carnel-Sherman involved court-ordered therapy classes for alcoholism and anger management after he attacked his wife, potentially leading to legal and financial repercussions.
His fifth and final marriage to Helen Snell, who was 31 years his junior, began in 2010 and lasted until his death. There are no public records of any financial arrangement or legal agreement between David and Helen. It is important to consider that David Soul’s chronic smoking for over 50 years, which led to COPD and the removal of a lung due to cancer, likely incurred significant medical expenses. These healthcare costs could have impacted his financial resources in his later years. The management of these health issues, including hospital stays and treatments, would have been a considerable financial burden.
David Soul’s estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of his death reflects the culmination of a diverse and successful career in television, film, and music. While specific details about individual salaries, royalties, and investments remain private, his body of work indicates a sustained and varied income stream over several decades. His contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting legacy, despite the inherent uncertainties of financial estimation.
