James Darren Passes Away

Actor James Darren, famed for his roles in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has died at 88.

Cause of Death

According to TMZ, Darren passed away peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Monday. The cause of death is currently unknown. However, his son, Jim Moret, informed TMZ that Darren had been experiencing heart issues and was under care at Cedars-Sinai’s cardiac unit.

Health Struggles

Darren initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement. Unfortunately, he was deemed too weak for the procedure. He returned home but ended up back in the hospital shortly after.

“I always thought he would pull through,” Jim Moret remarked. “He was so cool. He was always cool.”

A Career in Spotlight

Darren gained fame as a teen idol with his role as Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget. He reprised this role in the sequels Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome. Additionally, he played police officer Jim Corrigan in T.J. Hooker, appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons.

Beyond Acting

In addition to his acting career, Darren was also a singer and performed the theme song for Gidget. He directed episodes of Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The A-Team, among other shows.

Final Tribute

Rest in peace, James Darren.