James Darren, the iconic former teen idol and pop singer known for his role as the surfer Moondoggie in the Gidget films, has passed away at the age of 88. He died in his sleep on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son Jim Moret, an Inside Edition correspondent. Darren had been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak for the procedure and had returned home before needing to go back to the hospital.
Reflecting on his father, Moret said, “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool.”
Darren achieved early acclaim for his performances in films like Let No Man Write My Epitaph (1960) and The Guns of Navarone (1961). Despite his lack of surfing skills, he became a beloved figure as Moondoggie, appearing alongside actresses Sandra Dee, Deborah Walley, and Cindy Carol in the Gidget series.
He later starred as Dr. Tony Newman in the 1966-67 television series The Time Tunnel and joined the cast of T.J. Hooker in the second season, where he played Officer Jim Corrigan opposite Heather Locklear.
In 1986, Darren made his directorial debut on T.J. Hooker and went on to direct episodes of various popular series, including Hunter and Beverly Hills, 90210. He notably portrayed the character Tony Marlin on Fox’s Melrose Place, reuniting with Locklear.
As a singer, Darren reached the Billboard Hot 100 with the hit “Goodbye Cruel World,” which peaked at No. 3 in 1961. He also had hits with “Her Royal Majesty” in 1962 and later performed as Vic Fontaine on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the late ’90s, which he described as one of his most enjoyable roles.
Born James William Ercolani on June 8, 1936, in South Philadelphia, he was inspired to pursue acting and music by Eddie Fisher. He took acting classes in New York and eventually signed a contract with Columbia Pictures, making his film debut in Rumble on the Docks (1956).
Darren’s charm and appeal made him a favorite among young audiences during his era. He recalled a moment when a crowd of fans nearly overwhelmed him, and he was rescued by police. His talent for singing secured him a spot in the Gidget films.
Throughout his career, he performed in various television shows and films, including a memorable performance at the Academy Awards. Darren was married twice, first to Gloria Terlitsky and then to Evy Norlund until his passing. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and a goddaughter.
Darren’s legacy as a singer and actor continues to resonate, and he fondly recalled his interactions with fans, including a memorable meeting with Bruce Springsteen, who expressed his admiration for Darren’s work.