James Darren, well-known for his work on motion pictures like “Gidget” and TV exhibits like “T.J. Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” is lifeless.
The veteran actor died peacefully in his sleep Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles … his son, Jim Moret, confirmed to TMZ.
The reason for dying is unclear, however James’ son says his well-known father was having coronary heart points and was being handled on the hospital’s cardiac unit. We’re instructed James initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve alternative, however was deemed too weak to bear the process and was despatched dwelling … solely to be taken again to the hospital.
James turned a teen idol again within the day when he performed a surfer often known as Moondoggie on 1959’s “Gidget” and its two sequels … “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome.”
On TV, James had a recurring function on “T.J. Hooker” as police officer Jim Corrigan … showing in 66 episodes throughout 4 seasons.
James additionally had a recurring gig on ‘Deep Area 9’ … taking part in holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine within the late Nineteen Nineties TV sequence.
Along with appearing, James loved a profitable profession as a singer … and he additionally directed a wide range of TV episodes on exhibits like “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “The A-Team” … amongst others.
James sang the theme music for “Gidget” and carried out one other observe within the flick … and in 1961 he reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Cruel World.”
He is survived by his 3 sons and 5 grandkids.
James was 88.
RIP
