James Darren, ‘Gidget’ and ‘T.J. Hooker’ star, dies at 88: Reports

Actor and former teen idol James Darren, best known for his role in the “Gidget” franchise, has died at the age of 88, according to reports.

Darren reportedly passed away on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his son Jim Moret confirmed to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. According to THR, Darren had been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement but was later considered “too weak” to undergo the procedure.

“He was a good man. He was very talented,” Moret told Variety. “He was forever young.”

Singer-songwriter Nancy Sinatra also paid tribute to Darren in an emotional post on X. In her message, she expressed her deep sorrow over losing one of her closest friends and companions, sharing a photo collage of the two together. “Wishing him a fast and beautiful journey through the universe and beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony, and Jimmy Jr.,” Sinatra wrote.

Darren starred as Jeffrey Matthews, also known as Moondoggie, in the 1959 surfing rom-com “Gidget,” where he appeared alongside Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson. He would go on to reprise this beloved role in the sequels “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961) and “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963).

The Philadelphia-born entertainer also enjoyed a prolific television career. He had recurring roles on the popular crime drama “T.J. Hooker” and the sci-fi adventure series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”

Apart from his acting achievements, Darren was a teen pop sensation during the late 1950s and 1960s. He released a series of singles, among them the 1961 hit “Goodbye Cruel World,” which cemented his status as a music star.

Darren is survived by his wife Evy Norlund and sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Anthony Darren.

Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter