James Darren, best known for his roles in “Gidget” and “TJ Hooker,” has died at the age of 88.
The actor died peacefully in his sleep on September 2 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his hospital. Website.
“He was a great man,” said Darren's son and Inside Edition correspondent Jim Mullet. The Hollywood Reporter His father was scheduled to have an aortic valve replacement surgery, but the doctor said his father was too weak to undergo the procedure.
“I knew he'd get through it because he's a really cool guy. He's always been cool,” Moretto told the outlet.
Darren has had a successful career in Hollywood as an actor and singer, as well as directing episodes of TV shows such as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Melrose Place.”
His tenure as director lasted about two years, during which he also worked on other shows such as “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “The Hunter.”
In the 1950s, Darren got his big break when he landed the role of surfer boy Moondoggie in the 1959 hit film Gidget.
In the 1980s Darren landed the role of Constable Jim Corrigan in the TV detective drama TJ Hooker, which proved to be one of the most successful roles of his career.
Throughout his career, Darren's on-screen success led to him signing a recording contract, as did many actors of the time.
He then released two smash hit singles, “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” both of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Additionally, “Goodbye Cruel World” continues to be a timeless favorite, appearing on the soundtrack of Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film “The Fabelmans,” released in 2022.
Darren was a regular on television, appearing in a lead role in the sci-fi show “The Time Tunnel” in the late 1960s, and also made guest appearances on shows such as “The Love Boat,” “Hawaii Five-O” and “Fantasy Island.”
In the 1980s, he was a series regular on four seasons of “TJ Hooker” starring William Shatner. Darren also appeared in several episodes of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
Darren went on to star in several films directed by Columbia Studios, including The Brothers Rico, Operation Meatballs, and The Guns of Navarone.
His last film appearance was in 2017's Lucky, directed by John Carroll Lynch.
Born James Ercolani in 1936, the actor grew up in South Philadelphia and got his big break in New York in 1958.
Shortly after being noticed by talent scouts, Darren signed with Columbia Pictures.
He met his first wife, Gloria, in 1955. The couple had one son, Moré, a former CNN news anchor.
After their divorce, Darren married Danish model Evi Norlund, who was then a Miss Universe contestant, and the couple had two sons, Christian and Anthony.
Darren was also godfather to Nancy Sinatra's daughter, AJ Lambert.
Sinatra paid tribute to Darren. About X“One of the closest friends in my life has passed away. My daughter's godfather, AJ, has passed away,” she wrote.
“Praying for his quick and beautiful journey into the universe and beyond. Best wishes to you my love Jimmy. My heart is torn but filled with love for Evie, Christian, Anthony and Jimmy Jr,” she added.
“Nancy, my father loved you. Thank you for your kind and loving words,” Moret replied to the post.
