James DarrenKnown for movies like “Gidget” and TV shows like “TJ Hooker” and “Star Wars: Deep Space Nine,” he has died.
The veteran actor died peacefully in his sleep Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles… his son, Jim Moretconfirmed to TMZ.
The cause of death was unclear, but James’ son said his famous father suffered from a heart condition and was being treated in the hospital’s cardiology unit. We’re told that James initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement, but was deemed too weak to undergo surgery and was sent home… only to be taken back to the hospital again.
James became a teen idol early on when he played the surfer Moondoggie in 1959’s “Gidget” and its two sequels, “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome.”
On television, James had a recurring role as police officer Jim Corrigan on TJ Hooker…which ran for four seasons and 66 episodes.
James also had a recurring role on Deep Space Nine… playing hologram lounge singer Vic Fontaine on the late-1990s TV series.
In addition to acting, James has also enjoyed a successful career as a singer… He has also directed several TV series including “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Dragon Squad”… among others.
James sang the “Gidget” theme song and performed another song in the movie… In 1961, he reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Cruel World.”
He is survived by 3 sons and 5 grandchildren.
James is 88 years old.
Rest in peace
