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James Darren, a teen pop idol and actor who was beloved by generations, has died. The news came from James’ family, who confirmed his passing in a statement that was shared on the actor’s website.
“We are sad to report that Jimmy Darren died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles today,” the statement reads.
The actor “entered the hospital for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak to have the surgery; he went home but had to return,” Darren’s son, Jim Moret, explained.
James Darren was 88.
Darren Was Beloved For His Many Talents
The Philadelphia-born actor got his start studying acting in New York City, eventually signing a contract with Columbia Pictures. His first film was Rumble on the Docks. He did a few other films before being cast in 1959’s Gidget. Alongside Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson, James Darren sang the film’s title track. The film blew up, later becoming a TV series.
The music career came calling after the titular hit. He would go on to release 14 albums. He achieved gold with 1961’s Goodbye Cruel World. All the while, Darren continued to act and even appeared in Gidget sequels, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome.
Darren’s Move to TV Introduced Him to Sci-Fi Audiences
Darren made the move to television and with it, started to explore the sci-fi genre. In The Time Tunnel, he played the main character, Dr. Tony Newman. Darren was also in T.J. Hooker as Officer James Corrigan. He made guest appearances on a number of popular TV shows of the era, including S.W.A.T., Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and more. It seemed that whatever television show you liked, you might get a glimpse of the masterful actor.
Star Trek fans will recognize Darren for his role as a 24th century Human hologram in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He holoprogram lounge singer was created as they simulated 1962 Las Vegas on Earth. The recurring character was beloved and Darren would call it “one of the most enjoyable roles for me to have played.”
Darren’s talents weren’t limited to appearances in front of the camera, however. As his career progressed, he’d also get involved in production. While he was very quiet about the pursuit, he had some modest successes. Darren directed episodes of a number of different television series throughout the 80s and 90s, like Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, or Walker, Texas Ranger.
Whether you knew him through Gidget, Star Trek, or from his later directing gigs, Darren gave his all to audiences and enjoyed so much success from it. His loss is felt across different fandoms and by different generations. Whoever knew him seemed to have nothing but warm memories of him to share.
Darren’s Work Spans Six Decades
Darren’s final screen appearance was in 2017’s Lucky. It was his first appearance on camera in 16 years, in 2001’s Random Acts. The two projects turned out to be his only acting roles after Star Trek.
Darren is survived by wife Evy and sons Jim, Christian, and Tony, as well as five grandchildren and a godchild. Fans and those who have worked with Darren are remembering him online as a kind-hearted and talented man.
