James Darren, Star Trek and T.J. Hooker Star, Dies at 88
James Darren, the celebrated actor known for his roles in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at the age of 88, his family has confirmed. He died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
James’ son, Jim Moret, shared the news with TMZ, revealing that his father had been struggling with heart issues. Darren had been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement surgery but was deemed too frail to undergo the procedure. After initially being discharged, he was readmitted to the cardiac unit at Cedars-Sinai.
Despite the challenges, Jim had hoped his father would recover, but sadly, James passed away. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, but his recent health problems were noted as a contributing factor.
James was recently recieving treatment in hospital ( Image: CBS via Getty Images)The actor was deemed ‘too weak’ to have major open heart surgery before his death ( Image: Getty Images)
“I always thought he would pull through,” Jim told The Hollywood Reporter, “Because he was so cool. He was always cool.” Jim went on to say that James was able to share his love with his family before his passing, while branding him a “good man”, adding: “He was very talented.”
During his heyday, James Darren was a teen idol, gaining fame with his breakout role as Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget. He reprised this role in the sequels Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome.
On television, James made a mark by playing Jim Corrigan in the 1980s police drama T.J. Hooker, appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons. In the 1990s, he enjoyed a memorable role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer.
One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ. Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr pic.twitter.com/n3WxuLzlK8
Not only did James have an acting career, but he also had a singing career. James was the voice behind the Gidget theme song and also sang another record for the movie.
On top of that, he reached No.3 on the Billboard charts in 1961 with his song Goodbye Cruel World. Furthermore, he also directed different television episodes such as Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The A-Team alongside others.
James Darren is survived by his wife, Evy, and his sons, Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren, as well as five grandchildren.
Nancy Sinatra, daughter of the legendary Frank Sinatra, expressed her sorrow, sharing several photos of Darren and writing: “One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life, has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ. Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr.”
Fans also took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute. One user wrote, “RIP sir. Thank you for your contribution in Hollywood. Om Shanti!!!” Another added, “Rest in peace, James Darren. I loved him in the Gidget movies!” A third commented, “We lost James Darren today.
One of the greats,” and a fourth reminisced, “We were privileged to see him perform in Vegas on our honeymoon. We were sat on a table next to DS9 showrunner Ira Steven Behr. An incredible night. RIP James Darren.”
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