Actor James Darren, who was cherished for his appearances in both motion pictures and television programs, has passed away at the age of 88. Renowned for his memorable performances in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Darren’s demise signals the conclusion of a long and eventful career in the entertainment industry.
According to TMZ, Darren passed away peacefully during his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. His son, Jim Moret, disclosed that Darren had been contending with heart problems and was being cared for in the hospital’s cardiac unit.
At first, Darren was admitted for an aortic valve replacement. However, his health state was deemed too precarious to permit a safe surgical procedure. After being discharged and sent home, he was readmitted to the hospital not long before his passing.
When reminiscing about his father’s disposition, Jim characterized him as “cool,” stating, “I always believed he would recover because he was always so composed.”
James Darren initially achieved stardom in 1959 when he took on the role of Moondoggie in Gidget, a part that transformed him into a teenage heartthrob. He further endeared himself to audiences by reprising the role in two sequels: Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome. On the television front, Darren is well-remembered for his depiction of Officer Jim Corrigan in T.J. Hooker, featuring in 66 episodes across four seasons.
In addition to his acting pursuits, Darren had a prosperous music career. He performed the theme song for Gidget and subsequently broadened his creative horizons to include directing. His directorial efforts encompassed episodes of popular shows such as Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The A-Team.
James Darren’s career endured for several decades, making an impact on numerous aspects of the entertainment realm. His heritage as both an actor and a musician will be perpetually honored.
May he rest in peace, James Darren.