James Darren, Star of ‘Gidget’ and ‘T.J. Hooker,’ Dies at 88

James Darren, a former teen idol and pop singer renowned for his role as the charming surfer Moondoggie in three Gidget films, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Darren died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his son Jim Moret informed The Hollywood Reporter. Darren had initially entered the hospital for an aorta valve replacement but was considered too weak for surgery, leading to his return home before needing hospitalization again.

Moret expressed hope for his father’s recovery, remarking, “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool.”

Early in his career, Darren, a Philadelphia native, received acclaim for his performance in “Let No Man Write My Epitaph” (1960). He also played the Greek soldier Spyros Pappadimos in “The Guns of Navarone” (1961). Despite not knowing how to surf, Darren landed the role of Moondoggie, appearing alongside Sandra Dee in “Gidget” (1959), Deborah Walley in “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961), and Cindy Carol in “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963).

In 1966-67, Darren starred as Dr. Tony Newman in the ABC adventure series “The Time Tunnel,” which also featured Robert Colbert. Tom Hanks once cited “The Time Tunnel” as his favorite show during his childhood.

Darren initially hesitated to pursue television or science fiction roles until meeting Irwin Allen, the creator of “The Time Tunnel.” Allen’s persuasive pitch convinced Darren to accept the role. Later, Darren joined the ABC action drama “T.J. Hooker” in its second season, playing Officer Jim Corrigan alongside Heather Locklear.

Darren made his directorial debut in 1986 during the final season of “T.J. Hooker” and went on to direct episodes of shows such as “Hunter,” “Silk Stalkings,” “Melrose Place,” “Werewolf,” “The A-Team,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.” He also appeared as Tony Marlin on “Melrose Place,” reuniting with Locklear.

As a singer, Darren achieved significant success with the Gloria Shayne-written “Goodbye Cruel World,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961. He also found the top 10 again in 1962 with “Her Royal Majesty,” written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. In the early ’70s, Darren sang and performed in a lounge act with comedian Buddy Hackett.

In the late ’90s, Darren revived his singing career by portraying the holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” a role he thoroughly enjoyed. Several of his performances were recorded for the 1999 album “This One’s From the Heart.”

Darren’s last notable appearance was as the husband of a bar owner in Harry Dean Stanton’s final film, “Lucky” (2017).

James William Ercolani was born on June 8, 1936, in South Philadelphia. Inspired by fellow Philadelphian Eddie Fisher, Darren pursued a career in singing and acting, studying with Stella Adler in New York. Columbia Pictures talent scout Joyce Selznick discovered Darren, leading to his signing with the studio.

Making his film debut in “Rumble on the Docks” (1956), Darren followed with roles in “Operation Mad Ball,” “The Brothers Rico,” “The Tijuana Story,” and “Gunman’s Walk.” His fame skyrocketed with the Gidget movies, especially among young women.

Recalling a memorable moment, Darren said in a 2015 interview with Los Angeles magazine, “The defining moment was when I was at a studio in San Francisco, and word got out that I was there. Thousands of girls were screaming out front. The police had to rescue me and took me to the roof until things settled down.”

To secure the Moondoggie role, Darren needed to prove he could sing. “They were going to use somebody else’s voice, but I told them I could sing,” he said. Demonstrating his talent, he persuaded the producers, who then signed him to their label, Colpix.

Darren’s singing talents were featured in films like “All the Young Men” (1960), “Diamond Head” (1962), “Under the Yum Yum Tree” (1963), and “For Those Who Think Young” (1964).

He also made notable performances at the Academy Awards and in a variety of TV shows and films, including “The Gene Krupa Story” (1959) and “The Lively Set” (1964).

Darren married childhood sweetheart Gloria Terlitsky from 1955 until their 1958 divorce and later wed Evy Norlund, a former Miss Denmark, in 1960. They lived in a home once owned by Audrey Hepburn.

Darren is survived by his wife Evy, sons Jim Moret, Christian, and Anthony, grandchildren Amanda, Carly, Matthew, Natalie, and Nicholas, and goddaughter A.J. Lambert, daughter of Nancy Sinatra.

Over the years, Darren’s music gained many fans, including Bruce Springsteen, who once remarked he had bought Darren’s “Goodbye Cruel World” in Freehold, New Jersey.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter