Paul Michael Glaser is a name that many people recognize from his iconic role as Detective Dave Starsky in the 1970s hit show Starsky & Hutch. But behind the scenes, the actor faced unimaginable challenges and losses that tested his strength and resilience. In this article, we will explore his life story, his illness, his family, and his net worth.
Early Life of Paul Michael Glaser
Paul Michael Glaser was born on March 25, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of three children of a Jewish family. His father was an architect and his mother was a homemaker. He showed an early interest in acting and performed in school plays and local theater productions.
He attended Tulane University in New Orleans, where he majored in English literature and theater. He then moved to New York City to pursue his acting career. He landed his first Broadway role in 1968, playing Perchik in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. He also appeared in several off-Broadway plays and TV shows, such as Love is a Many Splendored Thing and The Waltons.
| Name | Date of Birth | Occupation | Relationship | HIV Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Michael Glaser | March 25, 1943 | Actor, director, writer, illustrator | Self | Negative |
| Elizabeth Glaser | November 11, 1947 – December 3, 1994 | AIDS activist, author, co-founder of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation | First wife | Positive |
| Ariel Glaser | August 6, 1981 – August 12, 1988 | Daughter | First daughter | Positive |
| Jake Glaser | October 25, 1984 | Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention | Son | Positive |
| Tracy Barone | N/A | Film producer, writer | Second wife | N/A |
| Zoe Glaser | 1997 | Daughter | Second daughter | N/A |
The Rise of Starsky & Hutch
In 1975, Glaser auditioned for the role of Detective Ken Hutchinson in a new crime drama series called Starsky & Hutch. He was initially rejected, but the producers changed their mind and offered him the role of Detective Dave Starsky instead. He accepted, and soon became a household name and a heartthrob.
The show, which ran for four seasons from 1975 to 1979, followed the adventures of two undercover cops who drove a red Ford Gran Torino and fought crime in the fictional Bay City, California. Glaser starred alongside David Soul, who played Hutch, and Antonio Fargas, who played their informant Huggy Bear. The show was a huge success, attracting millions of viewers and spawning a loyal fan base, merchandise, and a movie adaptation in 2004.
And finally – the man of all men when I was a kid: Paul Michael Glaser pic.twitter.com/dFsp3fI3XK
— Clive Simpson (@QueensSpeechUK) December 29, 2023Glaser also directed several episodes of the show, as well as other TV shows and movies, such as Miami Vice, The Running Man, and The Cutting Edge. He also continued to act in various projects, such as The Twilight Zone, The Air Up There, and Ray Donovan.
A Family in Crisis
While working on Starsky & Hutch, Glaser met Elizabeth Meyer, an AIDS activist and the daughter of a prominent Hollywood producer. They married in 1980 and had two children, Ariel and Jake. Their life seemed perfect, until a devastating diagnosis changed everything.
In 1981, Elizabeth gave birth to Ariel and suffered a severe hemorrhage. She received a blood transfusion that unknowingly infected her with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. At the time, there was no screening for HIV in blood donations, and the disease was poorly understood and highly stigmatized.
Elizabeth unknowingly passed the virus to her children, Ariel through breast-feeding and Jake in utero. In 1986, Ariel became ill and was diagnosed with AIDS. Elizabeth and Jake also tested positive for HIV. Paul was the only one who tested negative.
The family faced a desperate situation, as there was no effective treatment for AIDS, especially for children. Elizabeth decided to fight back and founded the Pediatric AIDS Foundation in 1988, along with two other mothers of HIV-positive children. The foundation aimed to raise funds and awareness for research, prevention, and care for children with AIDS.
Elizabeth also wrote a memoir, In the Absence of Angels, in which she shared her family’s story and her advocacy work. She became a national figure and a voice for the millions of people affected by AIDS.
A Double Loss
Despite their efforts, the Glaser family could not escape the tragic consequences of AIDS. In 1988, Ariel died at the age of seven. She was one of the first children to die from AIDS in the US. Her death was a huge blow to the family and the public, who had followed her struggle and admired her courage.
Six years later, in 1994, Elizabeth died at the age of 47. She had dedicated her last years to fighting for a cure and a better future for her son and other children with AIDS. She was honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US.
Paul was left alone to raise Jake, who was 10 years old at the time. He also continued to support the foundation that his wife had created, which was renamed the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The foundation has since become one of the leading global organizations in the fight against pediatric AIDS, having reached more than 27 million women with services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and provided care and treatment to more than 6.7 million people.
A New Beginning
Paul did not give up on life after losing his wife and daughter. He remarried in 1996 to Tracy Barone, a film producer and writer. They had a daughter, Zoe, in 1997. However, the marriage did not last, and they divorced in 2007. Paul and Tracy reportedly have a strained relationship and do not speak to each other. Paul, however, remains close to his daughter Zoe and often shares photos of her on social media.
Paul also found solace in his work and his hobbies. He continued to act and direct in various projects, such as Something’s Gotta Give, The Mentalist, and Grace and Frankie. He also wrote and illustrated a children’s book, Chrystallia and the Source of Light, in 2010. He enjoys playing golf, surfing, and painting.
Paul Michael Glaser Health Updates, Disease And Legacy
Paul is now 80 years old and still active and healthy. He does not have HIV, but he has been living with another chronic condition for more than 20 years: rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Paul has been managing his condition with medication and lifestyle changes, and he does not let it stop him from pursuing his passions.
Paul is also a proud father and grandfather. His son Jake, who is now 37, is also HIV-positive, but he has been able to maintain an undetectable viral load thanks to antiretroviral therapy. He is an ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. He is married and has two children, who are HIV-negative.
Net Worth
Paul’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has earned his fortune from his long and successful career in the entertainment industry, as well as from his book sales and other ventures. He lives in a spacious house in Santa Monica, California, where he enjoys the ocean view and the company of his family and friends.
Paul Michael Glaser is a man who has faced unimaginable hardships and losses, but he has also shown remarkable courage and resilience. He has used his fame and talent to make a positive impact on the world, especially in the fight against AIDS. He has also found happiness and fulfillment in his work and his family. He is a true survivor and a legend.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrKynspmle6S7zGicp6yVp8Gitc2mnKesX6WutriMpqCcoJGauW6zy5qqnqpdnrmtusSsqmaZnpl6qbHApauhZaOprrXB0mauoZmkYrWivM%2BepZ6cXam8brTIpmSwoZaaeqWt1KCfrZ2iYrumwIywpqusmGQ%3D