Actor James Darren, who starred in films such as Gidget and TV shows such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and T.J. Hooker, died at the age of 88.
The seasoned performer tragically passed away on Monday night at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles while drifting asleep, according to TMZ.
Although Jim Moret, the actor’s son, reportedly told TMZ that his father was a patient at Cedars-Sinai’s cardiac unit owing to heart difficulties, the cause of Darren’s death remains unknown as of the time of writing.
It’s believed that Darren was deemed too weak to undergo a safe aortic valve replacement procedure when he first went to the hospital.
He was then sent home, but he returned to the hospital not long after.
His son Jim stated, “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool.” He was cool all the time.
Darren rose to fame as a teenage idol when he was chosen to play surfer Moondoggie in the Gidget movie from 1959. He reprised his role in Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome, the two sequels.
The actor had a recurring role as police officer Jim Corrigan on T.J. Hooker. In total, he made 66 appearances over four seasons.
James was a singer in addition to an actor, and he performed the Gidget theme song. Reports state that he also directed other TV show episodes, such as Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, The A-Team, and 90210.
I hope you find peace. James Darren.
