‘T.J. Hooker’ Star James Darren Dies at Age 88

James Darren, known for his roles in movies like “Gidget” and TV shows such as “T.J. Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” has passed away.

The veteran actor died peacefully in his sleep on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, according to his son, Jim Moret, who confirmed the news to TMZ.

While the cause of death is not entirely clear, James’ son mentioned that his father had been suffering from heart issues and was being treated in the hospital’s cardiac unit. James initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak to undergo the procedure. He was sent home, only to be taken back to the hospital.

James Darren rose to teen idol status in the late 1950s when he played the surfer Moondoggie in the movie “Gidget” and its sequels, “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome.”

On television, James had a recurring role in “T.J. Hooker” as police officer Jim Corrigan, appearing in 66 episodes across four seasons.

In the late 1990s, he also had a recurring role on “Deep Space Nine,” portraying the holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine.

Apart from his acting career, James enjoyed success as a singer. He directed various TV episodes for shows like “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “The A-Team,” among others.

James sang the theme song for “Gidget” and performed another track in the movie. In 1961, he reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Cruel World.”

James Darren is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren.

He was 88 years old.

Rest in Peace.