Paul Michael Glaser never imagined that his pilot for Starsky & Hutch would become the iconic series it did. “Honestly, I thought, ‘This isn’t going anywhere.’ I was just looking for some new film roles,” the actor-director confides to Closer in an exclusive interview. “But then something magical happened. I auditioned, got the role, and before I knew it, we had a hit on our hands. It all moved so fast!” The show ran for four seasons and catapulted Paul into the limelight, making him a household name.
Since stepping into the shoes of Starsky, Paul has ventured behind the camera, embracing his passion for writing and directing. Yet, he hasn’t entirely stepped away from acting. At 80, he's embarked on a new chapter as a digital artist and painter. “What ties all my creative pursuits together—whether it's acting, directing, writing, or painting—is storytelling,” he reflects. “I love creating paintings that evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and foster meaningful conversations. My goal is always to connect with the viewer on a deeply personal level.” Paul also continues his commitment as an honorary board member of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, honoring the legacy of his late wife.
From Acting Roots to Stardom
What inspired you to become an actor?
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“Growing up, I was surrounded by two older sisters who were incredibly close to me. One of them dreamed of being an actress more than anything else, and I think that passion rubbed off on me. Watching her chase her dreams made me realize how much I loved the art of storytelling through performance.”
Big Breaks and Career Milestones
What moment do you consider your big break?
“It has to be Fiddler on the Roof. Spending five months filming in Yugoslavia and London was an eye-opening experience. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the intricacies of moviemaking. It taught me patience and resilience. You spend so much time waiting, but when the action starts, it’s like going from zero to 60 in seconds. It was a transformative period for me.”
Chaim Topol, who played Tevye, recently passed away. What was it like working with him?
“Chaim was truly remarkable. Achieving worldwide fame at just 35 years old playing Tevye speaks volumes about his confidence and talent. As an Israeli, he brought a unique perspective to the role that resonated deeply with audiences. He was such a kind and inspiring person. Working with him was a privilege, and I’ll always cherish those memories.”
Exploring New Roles
You played Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof and later took on Tevye on stage. How did that feel?
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“For me, Tevye was Perchik 40 years later. It was such a fulfilling role, allowing me to explore so many facets of my personality. Whether it was humor, anger, or vulnerability, I could pour my heart into Tevye. It was a gift that kept giving.”
The Starsky & Hutch Legacy
What was it like being part of Starsky & Hutch?
“Let me tell you, fame scared me to death! I always saw myself as an artist, not someone who’d get caught up in the Hollywood machine. But once Starsky happened, I realized I’d made a deal with the devil. The hardest part was dealing with the commercial pressures. So many decisions were driven by selling products rather than artistic integrity.”
How was your relationship with co-star David Soul?
“David and I had our ups and downs, but overall, we shared a deep bond. We genuinely cared about each other and remain good friends to this day. We even developed a strong camaraderie with the entire crew. There was a real sense of family on set.”
Did you really dislike the Ford Torino you drove on the show?
“Oh, absolutely! I thought it was absurd for detectives to drive around in a bright red car with a white stripe. Plus, it handled like a whale. But the producers loved it, and it ended up becoming one of the show’s defining features. People adored it.”
Directing and Beyond
What drew you to directing?
“Directing allowed me to tap into every aspect of my creativity. I loved collaborating with the team and tackling the endless challenges that come with filmmaking. It’s like solving a puzzle every single day, and I thrived on that.”
Finding Strength Through Spirituality
After losing your first wife and infant daughter to AIDS, how has spirituality helped you?
“Spirituality has been my anchor. Through the darkest times, I had to make a choice—to either become a victim or use the experience as an opportunity to grow. It taught me to expand my heart and deepen my capacity for love. I now lead workshops called The Power of Awareness, sharing these lessons with others. Understanding fear gives us immense power over helplessness.”
Advice for Younger Generations
What would you tell your younger self?
“Pay attention! Youth is
