James Darren, ‘Gidget’ actor and TV director, dies at 88

James Darren, the beloved teen idol recognized for his portrayal of the dreamy surfer Moondoggie in the “Gidget” films of the 1950s and 1960s, has passed away at the age of 88. His death occurred on Monday while he was asleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as confirmed by a statement from the actor’s official website.

According to his son, Jim Moret, who serves as chief correspondent for “Inside Edition,” Darren was hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement. However, he was deemed too frail to undergo the surgery. After being sent home, he had to return to the hospital shortly before he died.

Darren first captured audiences as Jeffrey “Moondoggie” Matthews in the classic surf film “Gidget” released in 1959, which starred Sandra Dee. He reprised his role in the sequel, “Gidget Goes Hawaiian,” in 1961. In the later sequels, Dee’s character was replaced by Deborah Walley and then Cindy Carol in the 1963 film “Gidget Goes to Rome.” The original movie was filmed in Malibu, during the rise of the Southern California surf culture, and it later inspired a television series in 1965 that launched Sally Field’s career.

Reflecting on his romantic feelings for Sandra Dee, Darren once shared, “I loved her. I would have [dated her], but she was 17 and had a very protective mom. When we appeared on Sally Jessy Raphael’s talk show together in 1991, I told her I was in love with her, and she said, ‘Why didn’t you tell me then?’”

Although he did not star in the television adaptation, Darren was the only cast member to appear in both film sequels. His character, a lively college student who caught Gidget’s attention, earned the nickname “Moondoggie” because “he made love by the moon and he was a dog,” Darren explained in a 2004 interview. Interestingly, he had never surfed prior to filming, but he learned to balance on a board and ride small waves for his role.

Signing with Columbia Pictures in 1958 marked the beginning of Darren’s ascent to fame. It was during his time in the “Gidget” films that he began his singing career, producing hit songs like “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty.” His diverse talent led him to various other roles beyond the beach comedies.

Darren made memorable appearances in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” where he showcased his versatility as an actor. He was also known for his role as Officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J. Hooker” and as Dr. Tony Newman in the 1966-67 ABC series “The Time Tunnel.” His film credits include the Oscar-winning movie “The Guns of Navarone” and the 1960 drama “Let No Man Write My Epitaph.” He later transitioned to directing television series such as “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Before gaining fame with “Gidget,” the actor, born James Ercolani on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia to Italian immigrant parents, pursued acting under the guidance of Stella Adler in New York. He also appeared in films like “Operation Mad Ball” and “Gunman’s Walk.” In 1964, he starred alongside Nancy Sinatra in “For Those Who Think Young,” later becoming godfather to her daughter, A.J. Lambert.

Nancy Sinatra honored Darren on social media, describing him as “one of my dearest, closest friends in all the world.” She extended her heartfelt wishes for his journey, saying, “Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony, and Jimmy Jr.”

James Darren is survived by three sons, Jim, Christian, and Anthony, along with his second wife, Evy Norlund. His legacy lives on through his contributions to film and television, cherished by fans and colleagues alike.

Source: Los Angeles Times