James Darren, celebrated for his roles in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at 88. He died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Monday, as reported by TMZ.
The cause of death is not officially confirmed, but Darren’s son, Jim Moret, mentioned that his father had been struggling with heart issues. Darren had sought treatment for an aortic valve replacement but was too weak for surgery. Moret expressed, “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool.”
Darren gained fame as Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget, a role he reprised in sequels. He also starred as police officer Jim Corrigan in 66 episodes of T.J. Hooker. Besides acting, Darren was a singer and directed episodes of Melrose Place and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Rest in peace, James Darren.
