Paul Michael Glaser is an American actor and director, best known for his role as Detective David Starsky in the hit 1970s television series “Starsky & Hutch.” Glaser’s life was forever changed by a tragedy that struck his family, which had a profound impact on his career and personal life.
In 1981, Glaser’s wife, Elizabeth Glaser, contracted HIV from a blood transfusion while giving birth to their daughter, Ariel. At the time, HIV was still largely unknown, and Elizabeth was one of the first women in the United States to be diagnosed with the virus. The Glaser family’s world was turned upside down by the devastating news.
Tragically, Elizabeth unknowingly passed the virus to their son, Jake, through breast milk. Jake became extremely ill and was diagnosed with AIDS at the age of six. Despite their grief, the Glasers were determined to fight for their son’s life and for a cure for HIV/AIDS.
Elizabeth became an advocate for HIV/AIDS research, co-founding the Pediatric AIDS Foundation in 1988. Paul Michael Glaser joined his wife in her efforts, using his celebrity status to raise awareness and funds for the cause. Sadly, Elizabeth passed away in 1994 at the age of 47.
In the aftermath of Elizabeth’s death, Glaser struggled with his own grief and the challenges of raising two children with HIV/AIDS. He turned to directing and activism as a way to cope with his loss and to honor his wife’s legacy. He directed several episodes of the television series “NYPD Blue” and became involved with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and other organizations dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS.
Glaser’s personal tragedy and his advocacy work have had a lasting impact on his life and career. He has continued to act in film and television, but has also used his platform to promote HIV/AIDS research and education. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the most devastating of tragedies.
Paul Michael Glaser was born on March 25, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He grew up in a Jewish family and graduated from Tulane University with a degree in English literature. After graduation, he enrolled in Boston University School of Law, but he soon dropped out to pursue a career in acting.
Glaser began his acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in several television series and films. However, he is best known for his role as Detective David Starsky in the hit television series “Starsky & Hutch” from 1975 to 1979. He also directed several episodes of the show.
After “Starsky & Hutch,” Glaser continued to work in television, film, and theater. He appeared in several TV shows, including “Third Watch,” “The Agency,” and “Judging Amy,” as well as in films such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Running Man.” He also appeared in several Broadway productions, including “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Weir.”
In addition to his work in entertainment, Glaser has been active in social and political causes. He has been involved with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which was founded by his late wife Elizabeth Glaser, and has also worked with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which focuses on Holocaust remembrance and education.
Throughout his career and personal life, Glaser has faced many challenges, including the tragic loss of his wife and children to HIV/AIDS. Despite these difficulties, he has remained active in the entertainment industry and in advocating for social causes.
