Paul Michael Glaser is an American actor, director, and author, best known for his iconic role as Detective David Starsky in the 1970s television series Starsky & Hutch. With his distinctive charm and dynamic on-screen presence, Glaser helped shape the popular buddy-cop genre, bringing one of TV’s most memorable characters to life. However, Glaser’s career extends well beyond his time in front of the camera. He is also a respected director, writer, and activist, with a career that has spanned over five decades. His journey from the small screen to becoming an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness is a powerful testament to his resilience, talent, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Glaser’s life and career are a blend of Hollywood success, artistic exploration, and personal tragedy that has informed his passion for advocacy and creative expression. Throughout it all, he has demonstrated his versatility as a performer, filmmaker, and humanitarian.
Early Life and Education
Paul Michael Glaser was born on March 25, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Raised in a Jewish family, Glaser was the youngest of three children. His father was an architect, and his mother was a homemaker, both encouraging creativity and intellectual pursuits in their children. Glaser’s academic journey took him through several institutions, where he developed an interest in the arts, particularly theater and filmmaking.
He attended the prestigious Buckingham Browne & Nichols School before enrolling at Tulane University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and English in 1966. While at Tulane, Glaser honed his acting skills and found a deep passion for storytelling, both on the stage and behind the scenes. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Boston University, focusing on acting and directing. This dual interest in both performing and creating stories would shape the trajectory of his career.
After completing his formal education, Glaser began his professional acting career, taking on roles in theater and gradually transitioning to television and film.
Breakthrough Role in Starsky & Hutch
Paul Michael Glaser’s big break came in 1975 when he was cast as Detective David Starsky in Starsky & Hutch, a buddy cop drama created by William Blinn. Paired with David Soul, who played Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson, Glaser brought to life one half of the duo that would become one of the most iconic partnerships in television history. The show followed Starsky and Hutch as they navigated the streets of Bay City, solving crimes and taking on dangerous criminals while driving around in Starsky’s now-famous red-and-white Ford Gran Torino.
The dynamic between Glaser’s street-smart, fast-talking Starsky and Soul’s more measured and introspective Hutch was a key element of the show’s success. Glaser’s portrayal of Starsky was infused with humor, grit, and charisma, making him a fan favorite. His character was known for his brashness, loyalty, and willingness to take risks, qualities that endeared him to viewers and defined the buddy-cop genre that the show helped to popularize.
Starsky & Hutch ran for four seasons, from 1975 to 1979, and became a cultural phenomenon. The show’s mix of action, drama, and camaraderie between the two leads made it one of the most popular programs of the 1970s. Glaser’s portrayal of Starsky remains one of the most iconic roles of the decade, and the series continues to be celebrated as a classic in television history.
While Glaser’s role in Starsky & Hutch propelled him to stardom, it also opened doors for him to explore other creative avenues, particularly in directing, a passion he had cultivated since his university days.
Transition to Directing
Even during his time on Starsky & Hutch, Paul Michael Glaser had a strong interest in directing. He directed several episodes of the show, using the opportunity to expand his skill set and gain valuable experience behind the camera. His desire to transition from acting to directing grew as his career progressed, and after the series ended, Glaser shifted his focus to filmmaking.
Glaser’s directorial debut in feature films came in 1986 with Band of the Hand, a crime drama about a group of troubled teens trained to fight against Miami’s drug cartels. The film, while not a major box-office hit, showcased Glaser’s ability to handle gritty material and action sequences, much like the show that made him famous.
In 1987, Glaser directed one of his most well-known films, The Running Man, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Based on a Stephen King novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), the film is set in a dystopian future where convicts are forced to participate in a deadly game show. The Running Man became a cult classic, remembered for its satirical take on media, politics, and violence. Glaser’s direction balanced the film’s action-packed sequences with sharp social commentary, cementing his reputation as a skilled filmmaker.
Over the years, Glaser continued to direct both television and film projects, including episodes of hit TV shows like Miami Vice and Judging Amy. His work behind the camera allowed him to explore different genres and storytelling techniques, establishing him as a versatile director.
Personal Tragedy and Advocacy
While Paul Michael Glaser’s professional life was filled with success, his personal life was marked by profound tragedy that would reshape his priorities and lead him to become an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness.
In 1981, Glaser married Elizabeth Meyer, and the couple had two children: Ariel and Jake. However, tragedy struck in 1984 when it was discovered that Elizabeth and Ariel had contracted HIV through a blood transfusion that Elizabeth had received during childbirth. This was a time when little was known about the disease, and the Glaser family faced both the personal pain of the illness and the public stigma associated with it.
Ariel passed away in 1988 at the age of seven, followed by Elizabeth in 1994. In the wake of these devastating losses, Glaser became deeply involved in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and supporting efforts to find a cure. Elizabeth, before her death, founded the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), an organization dedicated to preventing pediatric HIV infections and advocating for research and treatment. After her passing, Paul Michael Glaser continued her work, serving as a chairman and spokesperson for the foundation.
Through his advocacy, Glaser has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to support families affected by the disease. The foundation has grown into one of the largest organizations of its kind, making significant strides in pediatric AIDS research and prevention. Glaser’s commitment to this cause has made him a respected figure in the world of activism, and his personal story has touched the lives of countless individuals.
Author and Continuing Creative Work
In addition to his work as an actor, director, and activist, Paul Michael Glaser has also ventured into writing. In 2013, he published his debut novel, Chrystallia and the Source of Light, a fantasy story inspired by his experiences with loss, grief, and the search for meaning. The book reflects Glaser’s belief in the power of storytelling to heal and inspire, and it has been well-received by readers for its imaginative narrative and emotional depth.
Glaser continues to remain active in both the entertainment industry and his advocacy work. His resilience and determination to turn personal tragedy into a force for good have made him a role model for many. Today, Glaser’s legacy is defined not only by his work on Starsky & Hutch but also by his contributions to film, television, literature, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Legacy
Paul Michael Glaser’s career is a testament to his versatility and passion for the arts. From his breakout role as David Starsky to his achievements as a director and author, Glaser has consistently demonstrated his creative talents. His work as an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness further highlights his dedication to making a positive difference in the world. Through his acting, directing, writing, and activism, Paul Michael Glaser has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the lives of countless individuals who have been touched by his story.