James Darren, best known for his work on films like “Gidget” and television episodes like “T.J. Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” has died.
The veteran actor died quietly in his sleep Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, his son, Jim Moret, told TMZ.
The reason of death is unknown, although James’ son claims his renowned father had heart problems and was receiving treatment at the hospital’s cardiac unit. We’re told James went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement, but was considered too frail to undertake the treatment and was discharged home… only to be transported back to the hospital.
James rose to prominence as an adolescent idol after portraying the surfer Moondoggie in the 1959 film “Gidget” and its two sequels, “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome.”
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James had a recurrent role on “T.J. Hooker” as police officer Jim Corrigan, appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons.
James also had a recurrent role on the late 1990s TV series ‘Deep Space Nine’ as hologram lounge singer Vic Fontaine.
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In addition to performing, James had a successful singing career and directed a number of TV episodes for shows such as “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “The A-Team,” among others.
James recorded the title song for “Gidget” and sang another track in the film… and in 1961, he hit No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Cruel World.”
He is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren.
James was 88.
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