David Soul built an international reputation as Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the iconic television series Starsky & Hutch and as a chart-topping singer. Yet away from the camera, his romantic life generated almost as much public interest. He walked down the aisle five times, navigating a turbulent path of high-profile relationships, personal struggles, and a final, enduring partnership that lasted the rest of his life.
Understanding David Soul's marital history requires looking past the glossy tabloid headlines of the 1970s and 1980s. His five marriages spanned decades of immense fame, career shifts, and personal growth, offering a window into the complex reality behind a global television icon.
Early Beginnings and First Marriage to Mirriam Russeth
Long before television stardom brought him global recognition, David Richard Solberg married his first wife, Mirriam "Mim" Russeth, in December 1963. At the time, Soul was just starting to navigate his adult life and figure out his professional path between higher education and his early love for music.
The marriage was short-lived. The couple welcomed a son, Kristopher, but the relationship dissolved within eighteen months, ending in divorce in 1965. This brief union marked a youthful start to a lifetime of searching for stability in relationships while his career ambitions pulled him in multiple directions.
Finding Hollywood Success and Marriage to Karen Carlson
By the late 1960s, Soul was landing television roles and establishing himself as a working actor in Los Angeles. While working on the television series Here Come the Brides, he met actress Karen Carlson. They married in 1968, entering a partnership that coincided with his rise in the entertainment industry.
During this marriage, Soul secured the role that would change his life forever: Starsky & Hutch. The sudden, explosive fame of the show placed immense strain on his personal life. While filming the series, Soul also maintained a significant long-term relationship with actress Lynne Marta, reflecting the personal chaos that often accompanied peak Hollywood stardom. Soul and Carlson ultimately divorced in 1977, around the time his music career was peaking with global hits like "Don't Give Up on Us".
Stormy Waters: The Marriage to Patti Carnel Sherman
In October 1980, Soul married Patti Carnel Sherman, an actress and the ex-wife of pop star Bobby Sherman. By this point, Soul was grappling with severe personal demons, notably a struggle with alcoholism that strained his professional and personal life.
This period remains the most troubled chapter of his marital history. During the marriage, Soul faced intense public scrutiny and legal trouble following an assault on Sherman while she was pregnant. Although the couple briefly attempted to reconcile, the marriage could not survive the underlying friction and substance abuse issues. They divorced in 1986, prompting Soul to reevaluate his personal path and address his destructive habits.
The 1980s Spotlight: Marriage to Julia Nickson
Seeking a fresh start, Soul married actress Julia Nickson in December 1987 in a ceremony in Hawaii. Nickson was known for her work in films like Rambo: First Blood Part II, and the union brought together two recognizable acting profiles.
The couple had a daughter, China Soul, who later forged her own path as a professional singer and songwriter. Despite the shared joy of parenthood, the marriage faced pressures from demanding international schedules and the shifting landscape of Soul's career. The relationship concluded with a divorce in 1993, marking the end of his fourth high-profile marriage.
Stability and Peace: Life with Helen Snell
Following his fourth divorce, Soul shifted his primary focus away from Hollywood. He relocated to the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s, finding a welcoming second home on the London stage and in British television. This move ultimately paved the way for his final and most enduring romantic chapter.
In 2002, while performing in a British theatre production of Anthony Shaffer's thriller Deathtrap, Soul met Helen Snell, a British theatre publicist. Their relationship developed steadily away from the frantic pace of American tabloid culture.
After dating for eight years, Soul and Snell married on June 26, 2010, in a quiet ceremony. Around this time, Soul officially obtained British citizenship, signaling a complete embrace of his life in the UK. Snell remained by his side through health challenges later in life, providing the steady companionship that eluded him during his younger years. When Soul passed away in London in January 2024 at the age of 80, Helen was holding his hand as his surviving spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times was David Soul married?
David Soul was married five times. His wives were Mirriam Russeth, Karen Carlson, Patti Carnel Sherman, Julia Nickson, and Helen Snell.
How many children did David Soul have?
Soul was a father to six children from his various relationships, including singer-songwriter China Soul with his fourth wife, Julia Nickson.
When did David Soul move to the United Kingdom?
Soul moved to the UK in the mid-1990s, where he revitalized his career on the West End stage and eventually gained British citizenship in 2004.
Who was David Soul's final wife?
His final wife was British theatre publicist Helen Snell. They married in 2010 and remained together until his death in 2024.
