Movie and TV Star James Darren Dies at 88

James Darren starred in ‘Gidget,’ ‘T.J. Hooker’ and many other projects.

Popular ’60s music and acting star James Darren passed away on Monday, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret. In an emotional post on X, Moret also provided details of Darren’s final days to The Hollywood Reporter.

Darren had recently been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement. The Mayo Clinic describes the aortic valve as crucial for maintaining proper blood flow direction through the heart. However, the surgery was deemed infeasible due to Darren’s frail condition. After being discharged, he was readmitted to Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he passed away in his sleep on Monday.

Darren’s career spanned both music and film. He appeared in various movies such as Rumble on the Docks, Gunman’s Walk, All the Young Men, Diamond Head, and The Guns of Navarone. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his role in the three Gidget movies: Gidget, Gidget Goes Hawaiian, and Gidget Goes to Rome.

While building a cinematic legacy, Darren also made a mark in the pop music scene with hits like “Goodbye Cruel World,” “Her Royal Majesty,” “Conscience,” and “Gidget.” His 1960 track “Let’s Fall in Love” has gained renewed recognition over the years.

Darren’s talents extended to television as well, where he starred in several popular series. He played Officer Jim Corrigan in T.J. Hooker, Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Tony Marlin in Melrose Place, and Dr. Tony Newman in The Time Tunnel. Additionally, he made guest appearances in iconic shows like Hawaii Five-O, One Day at a Time, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, Diagnosis: Murder, and Fantasy Island.

In the wake of Darren’s passing, Nancy Sinatra paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend, saying, “One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ. 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.”