‘T.J. Hooker’ actor James Darren dies aged 88
James Darren, Star of Gidget and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dies at 88
Actor and singer James Darren, best known for roles in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at the age of 88.
According to TMZ, Darren died peacefully in his sleep on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
While an official cause of death has not been confirmed, Darren’s son, Jim Moret, told TMZ that his father had been experiencing heart problems and was being treated in the hospital’s cardiac unit. He had initially been admitted for an aortic valve replacement, but doctors deemed him too weak to safely undergo the surgery.
After being sent home, Darren returned to the hospital shortly afterward, where he later passed away.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Jim Moret shared, “I always thought he would pull through — because he was so cool. He was always cool.”
Here’s a refined and respectful continuation of the article with this new information included:
Darren rose to fame in the late 1950s, capturing hearts as the laid-back surfer Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget. His charm and screen presence made him an instant teen idol. He went on to reprise the role in two sequels: Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome.
In the 1980s, Darren took on a recurring role as Officer Jim Corrigan in the police drama T.J. Hooker, appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons.
Beyond his acting career, Darren was also an accomplished singer. He performed the theme song for Gidget and released several albums over the years, blending his film and music careers seamlessly. Later in life, he stepped behind the camera, directing episodes of popular TV shows including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The A-Team.
A multi-talented performer with a legacy spanning decades, James Darren left a lasting mark on Hollywood — both in front of the camera and behind it.
Rest in peace, James Darren.
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