‘Gidget’ Star, Singer, and Director Moondoggie Dies at 88

James Darren, who transitioned from being a teen idol in youth-centric movies like “Gidget” to becoming an actor in TV shows such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “T.J. Hooker,” as well as a singer and director, passed away Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 88.

His son Jim Moret shared that Darren was able to express his love for his family while receiving care in the cardiac unit. “He was a good man. He was very talented,” Moret remarked. “He was forever young.”

Expressing his gratitude, Moret mentioned that his father had embraced his iconic role as Moondoggie in the “Gidget” movie and maintained interaction with his fans.

Born in Philadelphia, Darren studied acting with Stella Adler in New York. He was signed to Columbia Pictures, where he debuted in “Rumble on the Docks.” Darren starred in films such as “Operation Madball” and “Gunmen’s Walk” before landing the role in the 1959 teen movie “Gidget,” alongside Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson. Darren also performed the title track for the successful movie, which depicted the adventures of a teenage surfer girl in Malibu and later evolved into a popular TV series.

He is survived by his wife Evy, and his sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren, as well as five grandchildren.

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