James Darren, teen idol and actor, has passed away at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles aged 88.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Darren studied acting in New York alongside Stella Adler.
After signing to Columbia Pictures, his first role was in “Rumble on the Docks.” During this era of his career, he went on to appear in films including “Operation Madball” and “Gunmen’s Walk”.
Darren was most well known however for his role as the surfer Moondoggie in the 1959 film “Gidget”.
The teen flick, about a young woman’s initiation into Southern California surf culture, followed Francie Lawrence (played by Sandra Dee) and her romance with Moondoggie.
James Darren, ‘Gidget’ Surfer and Cop on ‘T.J. Hooker,’ Dies at 88 https://t.co/hB3PyLVsq6
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 2, 2024
After the film’s success, James Darren reprised his role as Moondoggie in “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome”.
The film was later adapted into a popular television series, credited in part to Darren’s signature performance.
The “Gidget” theme song was also sang by Darren, which launched his career as a singer.
Releasing a gold record with “Goodbye Cruel World” in 1961, Darren went on to release at least 14 more albums.
While being a successful musician, Darren continued to appear in feature films including “The Guns of Navarone,” “The Gene Krupa Story,” “All the Young Men” and “Because They’re Young.”
Later, Darren moved into the world of television, starring in the series the “The Time Tunnel”.
After a brief career slowdown in Italy due to appearing in Jess Franco’s “Venus in Furs,” he went on to guest-star in numerous series including “Love, American Style,” “Fantasy Island” and “The Love Boat.”
James Darren regularly appeared on “T.J. Hooker” from 1983 to 1986, and eventually worked as a TV director of television series including “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.
Farewell to legendary singer and #StarTrek DS9 recurring star Jimmy Darren — Vic Fontaine, your holosuite will always keep running in our hearts.#JamesDarren pic.twitter.com/7CCdWlm2Vi
— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) September 2, 2024
Later in his career, Darren found a new generation of fans in 1998 as Vic Fontaine, the holographic lounge singer on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Darren’s son Jim Moret said he had been able to express his love for his family while being treated in the cardiac unit.
“He was a good man. He was very talented,” Moret said.
“He was forever young.”
He is survived by his wife Evy; sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren and Tony Darren; and five grandchildren.
