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James Darren, T.J. Hooker Star, Passes Away at 88 Due to Heart Issues
James Darren peacefully passed away in his sleep at the age of 88 on Monday.
The beloved actor, famous for his roles in “Gidget,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son Jim Moret.
Although the exact cause of death remains unclear, Darren had been undergoing treatment for heart issues in the hospital’s cardiac unit. Moret informed TMZ that his father initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement. However, due to his weakened condition, doctors decided to send him home instead of proceeding with the surgery.
Darren was eventually taken back to the hospital, where he passed away.
James Darren passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 on Monday; pictured March 2022 in Palm Springs
The actor, who is best known for his work on Gidget, T.J. Hooker and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, his son Jim Moret has confirmed; pictured August 2014 in Las Vegas
“I always thought he would pull through,” Moret told The Hollywood Reporter. “Because he was so cool. He was always cool.”
Darren gained fame as a teen heartthrob after starring as Moondoggie in the 1959 romantic comedy “Gidget.” He reprised the role in sequels “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961) and “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963).
His early career also included roles in “Knock on Any Door” (1949), “Let No Man Write My Epitaph” (1960), and “The Guns of Navarone” (1961).
Darren was especially known for his role as police officer Jim Corrigan on the drama series “T.J. Hooker,” appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons starting in 1982.
In the 1990s, Darren captivated audiences with his role as holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
Darren rose to fame and became known as a teen heartthrob after landing the role of a surfer named Moondoggie in the 1959 romantic comedy Gidget; seen in a 1959 Gidget promo still
After its initial release, he also starred in the sequels Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome; pictured: Cliff Robertson, Sandra Dee, James Darren in a 1958 promo still for Gidget
Darren was also renowned for his recurring role as police officer Jim Corrigan on the drama series T.J. Hooker; from left to right: Heather Locklear, James, Adrian Zmed, and William Shatner (in front) seen in a 1985 promo still from T.J. Hooker
Darren also portrayed Dr. Tony Newman, an electronics genius, in the adventure series “The Time Tunnel,” which aired from 1966 to 1967 on ABC.
In an interview with Tom Beaver for the 2008 book “I Talked With A Zombie,” Darren confessed he initially had no interest in television or science fiction. However, his meeting with “The Time Tunnel” creator Irwin Allen changed his mind. “This is something you have to do,” Allen told him, eventually convincing Darren to take the role.
In 1986, Darren ventured into directing, filling in as an emergency director for “T.J. Hooker” during its final season. He found a new passion and went on to direct episodes of “Hunter,” “Silk Stalkings,” “Melrose Place,” “Werewolf,” “The A-Team,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
In addition to his acting and directing career, Darren was also a pop singer. His song “Goodbye Cruel World” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961.
James Darren is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren.
Source: Daily Mail
