Paul Michael Glaser brought Detective David Starsky to life in one of the 1970s most-loved detective dramas, Starsky & Hutch, opposite David Soul's Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson.
Paul and David loved collaborating together. In 2014, Paul opened up about his relationship with David, saying: "My own personal drive and David's personal drive, they identified a level of work or a level of intention that allowed us to be more than just the script. I think the chemistry was there from the beginning."
The actor appeared on the hit show for four years before making a career change. Keep reading to learn more about 83-year-old Paul's life 50 years after his breakout role in the detective drama.
© Getty ImagesPaul Michael Glaser poses for a portrait, circa 1976.
Paul Michael Glaser's work as a director
Starsky & Hutch wrapped in 1979, and Paul's career as a director took off. Gaining experience directing episodes on the detective drama, Paul started working in film. In 1987, he directed Arnold Schwarzenegger in the sci-fi film The Running Man.
Paul went on to direct several more episodes of TV series like Miami Vice, Robbery Homicide Division, and Judging Amy. When asked if he likes directing better than acting, Paul told The Hollywood Reporter in 2019: "People ask me, 'What's your favorite: acting, directing or writing?' My answer: What life occurs. It's what happens. You never know when something will cross your path. I try to stay open to everything."
© Getty ImagesPaul Michael Glaser speaks to Entertainment Tonight at the 'Miami Vice' press conference in New York City.
The actor's return to the big screen
In 2003, Paul made his return to acting after a few decades behind the camera. He had a small role in Nancy Meyers' romantic comedy Something's Gotta Give, starring as Diane Keaton's ex-husband. A year later, he had a cameo in the film version of Starsky & Hutch, which starred Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
© WireImagePaul Michael Glaser at the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Annual Awards Gala
Paul Michael Glaser and Liev Schreiber's collaboration
For six years, Paul starred alongside Liev Schreiber in the crime drama Ray Donovan. Paul portrayed Alan, a wealthy movie producer who became romantically entangled with Sheryl Lee Ralph's character. His role on Ray Donovan, which wrapped in 2019, was his last on screen.
© Getty ImagesElizabeth Glaser and Paul Michael Glaser wait to testify before the House Budget Committee's pediatric AIDS hearing, 1990.
Inside the actor's tragic love life
Paul has been married twice. He tied the knot with his first wife, Elizabeth Glaser, in 1980. Tragically, she died in 1994 from HIV. After Elizabeth passed away, the actor married Tracy Barone. Although, after many years together, Paul and Tracy split in 2007.
© Getty ImagesPaul Michael Glaser and son Jake Glaser arrive at A Time For Heroes in Culver City
Paul's heartbreaking life as a dad
Paul is a father of three. He shares two children with Elizabeth and one with Tracy. His oldest daughter, Ariel, contracted HIV through the same blood transfusion that Elizabeth did. She died in 1988 when she was just seven years old.
Paul and Elizabeth's son Jake was born in the mid '80s and was adopted by Tracy during her marriage to the actor. While Paul and Tracy were together, they welcomed their daughter Zoe.
