James Darren,GidgetandT.J. HookerStar, Dies at 88

Mar. 15, 2025

James Darren.Photo:Albert L. Ortega/Getty

Albert L. Ortega/Getty

According to a statement on hiswebsite, the actor died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 2.

His son,Inside Editioncorrespondent Jim Moret, toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat his father went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak to have the surgery.

“I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He wasalwayscool,” Moret told the outlet. PEOPLE reached out to Moret’s representative for comment.

Sandra Dee and James Darren in ‘Gidget’.Columbia Pictures/Getty

Columbia Pictures/Getty

The Philadelphia native studied under legendary acting coach Stella Adler in New York before signing with Columbia Pictures and makinghis motion picture debut in the 1956 dramaRumble on the Docks, per his website.Though the movie was low-budget, Darren began receiving lots of fan mail. In 1957, he appeared inOperation Mad Ball,The Brothers RicoandThe Tijuana Story, and in 1958, he appeared inGunman’s Walk.

His biggest role came in 1959’sGidget. Sandra Dee starred as the titular hero in the surfer flick, with Darren as her love interest, a surfer nicknamed “Moondoggie.” The film became a massive success and pushed California surf culture and the film’s stars into the mainstream.

James Darren in 1958.John Springer Collection/Corbis/Getty

John Springer Collection/Corbis/Getty

From left: James Darren, Heather Locklear and William Shatner on ‘T.J. Hooker’ in 1985.CBS/Getty

CBS/Getty

Darren reprised the role in 1961’sGidget Goes Hawaiianand 1963’sGidget Goes to Rome— even though the actress who played Gidget changed each time, with Deborah Walley and Cindy Carol, respectively, playing the character in the sequels. “They had me under contract,” he explained toEntertainment Weeklyin 2004. “I was a prisoner. But with those lovely young ladies, it was the best prison I think I’ll ever be in.”

James Darren on ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’.Paramount Television/courtesy Everett Collection

Paramount Television/courtesy Everett Collection

From 1983 to 1986, Darren starred on the police dramaT. J. HookeralongsideWilliam ShatnerandHeather Locklear. He got the part thanks to a friend who was a producer on the series, who had them write the role of Officer Jim Corrigan for him.

“I get panicky when I don’t work,” he told PEOPLE. “I like to feel like a normal person with a normal job.” He also hoped the show would boost his name and face recognition beyondGidget. “I get disappointed when someone doesn’t know me from other things I’ve done.”

Darren also directed an episode ofT.J. Hookerand went on to direct episodes ofMelrose Place,Beverly Hills, 90210,Walker Texas RangerandWerewolf.

James Darren and Cirroc Lofteon at the ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ wrap party in 1999.Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

In 1998, he began appearing onStar Trek: Deep Space Nineas Vic Fontaine, a holographic singer who also gave out romantic advice. The Rat Pack-style character was originally written forFrank Sinatra, Jr., and then was offered toSteve Lawrencebefore Darren landed the role.

But Darren originally didn’t want to play another singer. His agent urged him to actually read the script. “Of course, I did read the script and, of course, I did love it,” he toldStarTrek.comin 2019. “It was just a great role. Vic Fontaine was like — what can I say? — it was a dream come true for me. It was one of the most enjoyable roles for me to have played.”

James Darren performing in 2012.Glenn Pinkerton/Las Vegas News bureau/Getty

Glenn Pinkerton/Las Vegas News bureau/Getty

“If he’d been just a singer, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it one-tenth as much as I did,” he explained, adding that he became very close with the rest of the cast while filming the episodes in which he appeared.

James Darren in 2018.Gabe Ginsberg/Getty

Gabe Ginsberg/Getty

In 1960, he married Evy Norlund, a former Miss Denmark. They welcomed two sons: Christian in 1960 and Anthony in 1964.

Darren was also the godfather toNancy Sinatra’s daughter.

“One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away,” Sinatra wrotein a tribute on X,

“Godfather to my daughter, AJ. Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr,” her statement continued.

Although Darren sometimes wanted to outrun hisGidgetdays, he admitted to theLos Angeles Timesin 2019 that when he performed his one-man shows, it was always hisGidgetstories that got the biggest response.

source: people.com