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. His career has spanned decades, during which he earned recognition not only for his acting but also for his directing work. In addition to his professional success, Glaser has experienced personal tragedy and triumph, which has shaped his life in profound ways.
Learn about Paul Michael Glaser, the iconic actor best known for his role in Starsky & Hutch. Discover his career, personal life, family, advocacy work, and net worth.
Paul Michael Glaser profile summary
| Born | Paul Manfred Glaser
March 25, 1943 (age 81) |
| Other names | Paul M. Glaser
Paul Glaser |
| Education | Tulane University (BA)
Boston University (MFA) |
| Years active | 1966–present |
| Known for | Detective Dave Michael Starsky – Starsky & Hutch |
| Spouses | Elizabeth Glaser
(m. 1980; died 1994) Tracy Barone (m. 1996; div. 2007) |
| Children | three |
| net worth | $4 million |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Paul Michael Glaser was born on March 25, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He grew up in a Jewish family, and his early interests leaned toward the arts. After attending Rutgers University, where he studied theater, he further honed his craft at the prestigious Yale School of Drama. Glaser’s early career included some stage performances, but his big break came in the 1970s with Starsky & Hutch.
Starsky & Hutch and Rise to Fame
Glaser’s most famous role came in 1975 when he was cast as Detective David Starsky on Starsky & Hutch, a police procedural drama that aired on ABC from 1975 to 1979. Alongside David Soul, who played his partner, Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson, Glaser became a household name. The show was groundbreaking for its gritty portrayal of law enforcement and its action-packed plots, and it became a major hit, securing Glaser’s status as a television star.
Though Starsky & Hutch ran for only four seasons, it left a lasting impact on television and pop culture. The show’s success also led to a film adaptation in 2004, in which Glaser made a cameo appearance, acknowledging the lasting legacy of the series.
Career Beyond Starsky & Hutch
After Starsky & Hutch, Glaser transitioned into directing, showcasing his talents behind the camera. He directed a number of episodes for Starsky & Hutch and later went on to direct for several other television series, including The A-Team and Miami Vice. Glaser’s experience as a director expanded into film, where he helmed the 1987 movie The Running Man, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.
As an actor, Glaser appeared in various TV shows and films throughout the years, including guest roles on series like The Muppet Show, Murder, She Wrote, and Walker, Texas Ranger. He also appeared in films like Fiddler on the Roof (1971) and The Violation of Sarah McDavid (1981).
Personal Life and Family
Paul Michael Glaser’s personal life has been marked by both happiness and sorrow. He married his first wife, Elizabeth Glaser, in 1980. Elizabeth, a prominent AIDS activist, tragically passed away in 1994 after contracting HIV through a blood transfusion during the birth of their child. Together, they had two children, Ariel and Jake. Their daughter Ariel died from AIDS-related complications in 1988, a heartbreaking loss that deeply affected Glaser and led him to become an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research.
In the years following his first wife’s death, Glaser married his second wife, Tracy Barone, in 1996. The couple has a daughter, Zoe, who was born in 2001. Glaser and Barone eventually divorced in 2007.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Paul Michael Glaser’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. While his career may not be as high-profile as in the 1970s, his legacy from Starsky & Hutch and his continued work in both the entertainment industry and charitable causes have kept him in the public eye. His directorial work and various film and television appearances also contribute to his net worth.
Advocacy and Charitable Work
One of the defining aspects of Paul Michael Glaser’s life has been his work as an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research. Following the tragic death of his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Ariel, Glaser became involved in various initiatives, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which works to eliminate pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide. He has remained a passionate supporter of efforts to raise awareness about the disease and to support those affected by it.
Conclusion
Paul Michael Glaser’s career and personal life are a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of justice, both on-screen and off. While he is best known for his role as Detective Starsky, his lasting impact as a director, author, and advocate for the HIV/AIDS community highlights his broad range of influence. With a career that spans several decades and a life filled with both joy and hardship, Glaser’s story is one of both fame and enduring personal strength.