What Happened to Starsky from 'Starsky & Hutch' Who Raised Son Following Death of His Wife & Daughter

Paul Michael Glaser is a prominent actor in Hollywood whose rise to fame commenced in the late 1970s. At present, he has carved out his own path, which truly brings him peace and fulfillment.

Paul Michael rose to fame for portraying Detective David Starsky, also known as Starsky, in the beloved 1970s TV series "Starsky & Hutch." He starred in the series with actor David Soul who played Kenneth Hutch.

Yet, Paul's life of stardom underwent a profound transformation when he encountered a heart-wrenching tragedy involving his family. Despite this, Paul has managed to rise above the challenges.

Paul Michael Glaser, a.k.a. Starsky from "Starsky & Hutch," started a family just a year after the series ended. In 1981, a year after Paul and his wife Elizabeth Glaser's marriage, they experienced a distressing event while she was giving birth to Ariel Glaser.

The actor was "full of rage, anger, and guilt" after he suffered two successive tragedies following his wife and two kids' AIDS infections.

Elizabeth passed the virus to their second child, Jake Glaser, three years later through breastfeeding. Jake was born in 1984 with HIV. At the time, it was before the HIV treatment was available. Since then, he has spent his life defying the odds of survival.

Sadly, the same cannot be said about his mother and sister, who died when he was only three years old. Jake admitted in a November 2021 interview that he had "survivor's guilt." "I resented my mother and sister for what I thought was abandonment," he said, adding that he blamed himself for not being able to save them.

His father, Paul, often found himself asking haunting questions, too, "Why me? Why me?" Yet, as time passed, he realized that the only valid response to this query was, "Why not me?"

He embarked on a long and painful journey to come to terms with his grief. He went on a spiritual journey after the loss because he did not want to be a victim. Instead, he chose growth and opened his heart to love. Along the way, he seemed to find another means of happiness in his life.

Paul Michael Glaser and His Son Jake Continue Elizabeth Glaser's Meaningful Legacy

The TV actor went on to marry his second wife, Tracy Barone, and they welcomed their daughter, Zoe. However, their marriage never flourished, and they divorced in 2007. Paul said:

"You hope to grow into a relationship, but then the journey with HIV made things different. I am far better at being alone now."

He firmly believed that he was better off being solitary. He also expressed his discomfort with fame, admitting that it had never made him feel genuinely at ease.

Paul recalled female fans who enthusiastically admired him in the 1970s. He also admitted that even in his past relationship with Elizabeth, he struggled to find his true success.

Paul may not have viewed himself as wealthy in terms of material possessions, but he has had a wealth of experiences that have truly enriched his life.

As he enjoys his independence, Paul devotes his time to helping the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which Elizabeth and her friends, Susan DeLaurentis and Susie Zeegen, founded in 1988, just before she passed away.

Paul has helped fund research and halt the spread of this deadly disease. He serves as an honorary chairman of the board's foundation, while his son, Jake, serves as the group's ambassador.

Jake, born in 1984, was merely three years old when his sister Ariel, then 7, succumbed to the illness. Despite receiving medical reassurances about his own good health and being able to discontinue HIV treatments, he had the burden of "survivor's guilt."

Jake recalled harboring deep resentment towards his mom and sister, convinced they had abandoned him. He internalized a relentless sense of self-blame, constantly questioning why he couldn't rescue them from their circumstances.

Jake and his father worked tirelessly to keep Elizabeth's legacy alive, hoping she would be proud of their remarkable progress even though she was no longer physically with them.

Over the years, EGPAF has expanded its reach by providing testing, counseling, and treatment to over 32 million women to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting the lives of 1.8 million individuals by providing vital medications.

Besides actively participating in fundraising initiatives, Jake's responsibilities include engaging in conversations with at-risk children worldwide and mentoring HIV-positive youth in Africa.

Paul Michael Glaser Says He Is 'At Peace' with His Family

Besides supporting his son in continuing Elizabeth's foundation, Paul has ultimately discovered true happiness, not in the glamour of show business but simply within the embrace of his family.

Starsky from "Starsky & Hutch" became "different" after losing his wife and kids to AIDS. He has found peace and is now a grandpa.

Paul has been actively sharing numerous heartwarming moments with his children and grandchildren on Instagram. In February 2021, he posted a snap from one of his visits to his family in Colorado.

The photo featured Paul's joyful smile as he gazes down at a mobile phone sandwiched between his two adoring grandkids. The trio were dressed in cozy jackets as they sat outside.

In another sweet moment, Paul uploaded on his Instagram page a selfie with Jake during a family dinner at home. Paul said, as he reflected on his life in the company of his loved ones:

"Losing my wife and daughter made me very different and I am fortunate that I was able to learn from it. I feel more at peace with myself than ever, so I guess I am a rich man."

Paul may not have viewed himself as wealthy in terms of material possessions, but he has had a wealth of experiences that have truly enriched his life.

His Instagram page is a testament to his passion for art, showcasing a gallery of his vibrant paintings. His love for the outdoors is evident through captivating photos of fishing expeditions and winter hikes.

Expanding his creative pursuits, he has embraced the world of stage acting. He made a notable impression with his performance in the beloved musical "Fiddler on the Roof."

He has proven himself a skilled author, self-publishing a fantasy novel, "Chrystallia and the Source of Light," which he described as a metaphorical autobiography.

Despite his hardships, including the loss of his wife and daughter, Paul, who is now 80, has discovered a sense of peace within himself through priceless possessions: the richness of life's experience and love for family.

As Paul continues to embrace new artistic ventures, his journey becomes a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring strength of love.