Veteran actor and singer James Darren, famous for roles in movies like Gidget and TV series such as T.J. Hooker and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at the age of 88.
Darren, a beloved figure in Hollywood, left an indelible mark on both the big and small screens throughout his long career.
According to a report by TMZ, Darren died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. His exact cause of death is not yet confirmed, but his son, Jim Moret, mentioned that Darren had been struggling with heart problems.
He had been a patient at the hospital’s cardiac unit and was initially admitted for an aortic valve replacement. Unfortunately, doctors deemed him too weak for the surgery, leading to his discharge. However, he was later readmitted.
Reflecting on his father’s resilience, Jim Moret told TMZ, “I always thought he would pull through because he was always so cool. He was always cool.”
Darren rose to stardom in 1959 after portraying Moondoggie, a young surfer, in the film Gidget. His performance captivated audiences and led to two sequels, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome. Throughout the 1980s, Darren became a household name in the TV industry, appearing in 66 episodes of T.J. Hooker as Officer Jim Corrigan.
In addition to acting, Darren had a passion for music. He sang the theme song for Gidget and also enjoyed a successful career directing various TV shows, including episodes of Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The A-Team.
As news of Darren’s passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a multifaceted entertainer who brought joy and talent to both screens and stages.