Paul Michael Glaser Opens Up About Fame, Friendship, And Finding Light After Loss

Paul Michael Glaser never imagined the pilot for Starsky & Hutch would take off. “I thought, ‘This is never going to make it as a series,’” the actor-director confides to Closer. “But then I auditioned, got the role, and it became a massive hit. It all happened so quickly.” The show ran for four seasons, turning Paul into a household name. But even as he embraced the limelight, Glaser knew it was just one chapter in his creative journey.

Starsky & Hutch may have been the start of his rise to fame, but Paul has spent much of his life exploring other facets of his artistry. Over the years, he’s shifted gears from acting to writing and directing, eventually finding a new passion in digital art and painting. Now 80, Glaser reflects on his career with a sense of purpose: “The one thing that ties everything together—acting, directing, writing, painting—is storytelling,” he explains. “I love creating pieces that evoke emotion, spark conversation, and connect with people on a deeper level.”

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Paul remains deeply committed to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, an organization founded in honor of his late wife. Through this work, he continues to make a profound impact, channeling personal loss into meaningful action.

Read also:

Where Are They Now The Cast Of Hercules The Legendary Journeys

From Acting to Directing: A Journey of Evolution

Paul’s path to stardom wasn’t always clear-cut. Growing up with two older sisters, one of whom dreamed of becoming an actress, he found himself drawn to the craft at an early age. “That’s where I picked it up from,” he recalls. But it wasn’t until his role in Fiddler on the Roof that his career truly took off. Spending five months filming in Yugoslavia and London, Glaser says the experience was both exhilarating and eye-opening. “You spend so much time waiting around, and then suddenly, you’re going zero to 60. It was a crash course in moviemaking.”

Remembering Chaim Topol: A Tribute to a Legendary Co-Star

When asked about working alongside Chaim Topol, who played Tevye, Glaser speaks fondly of the experience. “He was such an interesting man,” Paul remembers. “He achieved fame playing Tevye at just 35 years old, which says a lot about his confidence and self-assuredness. He was a good man, and I enjoyed working with him very much.”

Stepping Into Tevye's Shoes: A Role That Defined Him

Glaser’s connection to Fiddler on the Roof extends beyond his role as Perchik. Years later, he took on the iconic part of Tevye himself, bringing a fresh perspective to the character. “To me, Tevye was Perchik 40 years later,” he explains. “It was an incredibly fulfilling role because it allowed me to explore so many different sides of myself—silly, serious, angry, funny. It was a gift, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

The Starsky & Hutch Phenomenon: Fame and Friendship

Of course, no discussion of Paul’s career would be complete without mentioning Starsky & Hutch. While the show made him a household name, fame wasn’t always easy to navigate. “It scared the hell out of me,” he admits. “I saw myself as an artist, not a celebrity. But once the show took off, I realized I’d made a deal with the devil. The commercial aspects of it—the focus on selling products—weren’t always aligned with my vision.”

Despite the challenges, Glaser formed lasting bonds with his co-star, David Soul, and the rest of the crew. “David and I had our ups and downs, but we cared about each other deeply,” he says. “We’re still good friends today. And the camaraderie we shared with the entire team made the experience truly special.”

The Infamous Ford Torino: Love It or Hate It?

One of the most memorable aspects of Starsky & Hutch was the red-and-white Ford Torino. But for Paul, the car left a less-than-stellar impression. “I thought it was ridiculous!” he laughs. “Who drives around in a bright red car with a white stripe? And it handled like a whale! But that’s what the producers wanted, and it became a beloved character in its own right.”

Read also:

Alexandra Breckenridge Gives Fans A Sneak Peek Into Virgin River Season 7 Filming

Beyond Acting: Directing as a Creative Outlet

Glaser’s passion for storytelling eventually led him to directing. “I loved the opportunity to use all my creative talents,” he says. “Every day brought new challenges, and I thrived on the energy of working with such talented people. Directing allowed me to explore my craft in ways I never imagined.”

Finding Light After Darkness: A Spiritual Journey

Tragedy struck when Paul lost his first wife and infant daughter to AIDS after a blood transfusion. Though the pain was immense, he found solace in spirituality. “I had to decide whether I was going to be a victim or use this experience as an opportunity to grow,” he reflects. “It was a transformative journey that taught me about love, resilience, and the power of awareness. Now, I share what I’ve learned through programs like The Power of Awareness, hoping to help others navigate their own challenges.”

Advice for His Younger Self: Embrace Presence

If there’s one thing Paul wishes he could tell his younger self, it’s to pay attention. “Youth can be blinding,” he says. “We get caught up in the immediacy of our emotions, distracted by hormones and fleeting feelings. But learning to stay present—to truly see and experience life—is a gift.”

Art as Therapy: A New Chapter

In recent years, Glaser has turned his focus to painting and digital art, discovering a new form of self-expression. “Creating art is a meditative process,” he explains. “It keeps me grounded and gives me immense satisfaction. People seem to connect emotionally with my work, which is incredibly rewarding.”

He’s also working on a follow-up to his children’s book, Chrystallia and the Source of Light. “My daughter encouraged me to illustrate it myself,” he shares. “It’s been a wonderful journey of self-discovery, though it does require a bit of solitude. Sometimes, being alone is exactly what you need to create something meaningful.”