James Darren, Teen Idol Actor from ‘Gidget,’ Singer, and Director, Passes Away at 88

James Darren, who rose to fame as a teen idol in youth-oriented films like “Gidget” and later became known for his roles in TV shows such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “T.J. Hooker,” as well as for his work as a singer and director, passed away on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 88 years old.

His son, Jim Moret, shared that Darren was able to express his love for his family while being treated in the cardiac unit. “He was a good man, and he was very talented,” Moret said. “He remained forever young.”

Moret also expressed gratitude that his father embraced his iconic role as Moondoggie in the “Gidget” movie and continued to connect with his fans. Born in Philadelphia, Darren studied acting under Stella Adler in New York before being signed by Columbia Pictures. His film debut was in “Rumble on the Docks,” followed by roles in movies like “Operation Madball” and “Gunmen’s Walk.” In 1959, he was cast in the teen classic “Gidget,” alongside Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson. Darren not only acted but also sang the title track for the film, which centered on the adventures of a teenage surfer girl in Malibu and later inspired a popular TV series. The success of the “Gidget” theme song propelled Darren into a successful music career, with his 1961 hit “Goodbye Cruel World” earning a gold record. He went on to release over 14 albums and continued to appear in films such as “The Guns of Navarone,” “The Gene Krupa Story,” “All the Young Men,” and “Because They’re Young.”

Darren reprised his role as Moondoggie in sequels like “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome,” though he grew weary of being typecast.

Transitioning to television, Darren starred in the series “The Time Tunnel” and, after a brief stint in Italy in Jess Franco’s “Venus in Furs,” became a frequent guest star on shows like “Love, American Style,” “Fantasy Island,” and “The Love Boat.” From 1983 to 1986, he was a regular on “T.J. Hooker” and also ventured into directing, with credits including “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.”

In 1998, Darren won over a new generation of fans as Vic Fontaine, the holographic lounge singer on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”

He is survived by his wife, Evy; his sons, Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren; and five grandchildren.