James Darren, the actor and singer best known for his role as Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget, has passed away at the age of 88. He died on September 2, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret.
Moret shared that his father was able to express his love for his family while receiving treatment in the cardiac unit. “He was a good man. He was very talented,” Moret said. “He was forever young.”
Darren became a teen idol after starring in Gidget and its sequels, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome. His portrayal of the surfer character Moondoggie endeared him to audiences and launched his career as a singer. He achieved significant success with his hit song “Goodbye Cruel World,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. Over his career, he released at least 14 albums.
In addition to his film work, Darren had a successful television career.
He starred in the sci-fi series The Time Tunnel and had a recurring role as Officer Jim Corrigan in the police drama T.J. Hooker from 1983 to 1986. He also appeared as Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer, on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a role that introduced him to a new generation of fans.
Darren’s career spanned several decades and included appearances in films such as The Guns of Navarone, The Gene Krupa Story, and Because They’re Young. He also directed episodes of popular TV shows like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place.
He is survived by his wife, Evy, and his three sons, Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren, along with five grandchildren. Darren’s contributions to film and music have left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered fondly by fans and loved ones alike.
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