James Darren, ‘Gidget’ teen idol, singer and director, passes away at 88

James Darren, the versatile actor, singer, and director best known for his roles in “Gidget,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son Jim Moret. Darren, who began his career as a teen heartthrob in the 1959 hit “Gidget,” went on to become a beloved figure in Hollywood, starring in films such as “Rumble on the Docks” and “The Guns of Navarone,” and later transitioning to television roles, including Officer Jim Corrigan on “T.J. Hooker” and Vic Fontaine on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”

In addition to acting, Darren was a successful pop singer, with hits like “Goodbye Cruel World” reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, and he revived his singing career in the late 1990s through his role as a holographic lounge singer on “Deep Space Nine.” He also enjoyed a fruitful behind-the-scenes career as a director, helming episodes of popular series including “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Melrose Place,” and “The A-Team.” Darren’s son, Jim Moret, shared that his father had been too weak to undergo an aortic valve replacement surgery, leading to his passing shortly after being readmitted to the hospital.

Born in Philadelphia, Darren’s path to stardom began when he was discovered by Columbia Pictures talent scout Joyce Selznick, and he quickly became known for his cool, charismatic on-screen presence. Despite early reluctance, he took on iconic roles, such as Dr. Tony Newman in “The Time Tunnel,” following encouragement from creator Irwin Allen. His career spanned over six decades, and he became known not only for his acting and directing but also for his warm personality and commitment to his craft.

Darren’s personal life included a marriage to his childhood sweetheart Gloria Terlitsky, which ended in divorce, and a long-lasting marriage to Evy Norlund, a former Miss Denmark. He is survived by Norlund, their three sons, Jim, Christian, and Anthony, as well as grandchildren Amanda, Carly, Matthew, Natalie, and Nicholas, and his goddaughter A.J. Lambert, the daughter of Nancy Sinatra. Darren’s legacy will be remembered through his diverse body of work, which touched multiple generations of fans, and his indelible impact on the entertainment industry.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay