Former teen idol and ‘Gidget’ star James Darren dies, age 88

Former teen idol James Darren, who rose to fame alongside Sandra Dee in the hit film Gidget, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.

Darren’s son Jim Moret announced his passing, telling The Hollywood Reporter that he died in his sleep at Los Angeles hospital.

Moret said his father was supposed to have had an aortic valve replacement but was too weak to receive the surgery.

“I always thought he would pull through, because he was so cool. He was always cool,” he told the publication.

Born on June 8, 1936, Darren began his career at just 14, performing in local nightclubs. His big break came when he travelled to New York for a photo shoot, where the photographer’s office connected him with a talent scout.

Darren gained fame in the late 1950s, starring as Moondoggie in the hit 1959 film Gidget. He went on to appear in films such as The Brothers Rico, Operation Meatball, and The Guns of Navarone.

By the mid-1960s, after roles in For Those Who Think Young and The Lively Set, Darren’s big-screen career began to wind down. He appeared in only a few films after the 1960s, with his final movie role in 2017’s Lucky.

Darren, however, stayed active on television. In the late 1960s, he starred in the sci-fi series The Time Tunnel and later made guest appearances on shows like The Love Boat, Hawaii Five-O, and Fantasy Island.

In the 1980s, Darren was a regular on T.J. Hooker, starring alongside William Shatner. While working on the show, he expressed interest in directing, leading to a stint directing episodes of series such as Walker, Texas Ranger, Hunter, Melrose Place, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

In the 1990s, Darren returned to acting with small roles in Melrose Place and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

As news of Darren’s passing broke, fans and those close to him took to social media to pay tribute and reflect on his remarkable career.

Reflecting on the loss of my father, James Darren. So touched by the love of his dear friends @nancysinatra & @williamshatner and his many fans. His career spanned over 6 decades as an actor, singer and director. He captured the hearts of generations. What a legacy. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RGxRggf86d

— Jim Moret (@Jimmoret) September 3, 2024

And now, a remembrance of the US teen idol James Darren, who died today. In this clip from the 1959 film “Gidget”, which opened in Melbourne in January 1960, he sings to the late Sandra Dee, another teenage screen star of the 1950s and early 1960s. James Darren was 88 years old. pic.twitter.com/1RIolYSsnb

— K9 News (@SausageAnchor) September 3, 2024

Oh gosh, I’m heartbroken to hear that James Darren has passed away at age 88. I’ll never forget when I first watched GIDGET (1959) and how my mom and I both swooned over him. A wonderful singer and actor 💔https://t.co/A8xtnHtGlz pic.twitter.com/1LSteVAIb7

— Jessica Pickens (@HollywoodComet) September 3, 2024

We lost James Darren today. One of the greats. pic.twitter.com/uQq5dye7YE

— Josh Tyler (@joshtyler) September 3, 2024

Darren is survived by his second wife, Evy Norlund, and his sons: Jim, from his first marriage, as well as Christian and Anthony.

-with AP.