Regretfully, James Darren, the well-known actor who starred in classic films like Gidget and television shows like T.J. Hooker and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, died at the age of 88.
According to TMZ, Darren died quietly on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles while he was asleep.
Jim Moret, Darren’s son, told TMZ that his father had been undergoing treatment at the cardiac unit of Cedars-Sinai Hospital for heart problems, even though the cause of his death is still unknown.
Darren initially visited the hospital to get his aortic valve replaced. However, doctors determined that he was not yet strong enough for the operation.
He then returned home, but not before requiring another medical admission.
“I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool,” recalls his son Jim fondly. He always maintained his composure.
Playing the iconic role of Moondoggie in the well-liked 1959 movie Gidget, James Darren became a teenage sensation. Because of his charm and skill, he reprised the part in the subsequent sequels, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome.
Additionally, he appeared in an incredible 66 episodes over four seasons as the shrewd police officer Jim Corrigan in the T.J. Hooker television series.
In addition to his acting career, James Darren was a well-known musician. He is well remembered for singing the catchy Gidget theme song. Among his other talents was directing episodes of popular TV shows, such as The A-Team, Beverly Hills, Melrose Place, and 90210.
We have fond recollections of James Darren and bid him farewell. Peace be with you, James.
