Darren recently transitioned to television, taking on the lead role in the sci-fi series The Time Tunnel. He continued to make guest appearances in several well-known shows, including S.W.A.T., Police Woman, Charlie’s Angels, Police Story, Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Melrose Place, while also indulging his passion for live musical performances. In addition to acting, Darren ventured into directing episodes for series such as The A-Team, Walker, Texas Ranger, Silk Stalkings, Beverly Hills, 90210, Savannah, and Melrose Place.
Between 1983 and 1986, he landed a steady role in the police drama T.J. Hooker, portraying Officer James Corrigan alongside William Shatner. Shatner honored Darren on X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt message: “What a wonderful man – so talented; so loving. I had the best time with him. The world is less because of his loss.”
Many Star Trek fans remember Darren primarily for his beloved character Vic Fontaine, an entertainer at Quark’s popular holoprogram Vic’s Las Vegas Lounge in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. With his charm, sophistication, and self-awareness, Vic became a favorite among the Deep Space 9 crew, often offering Dr. Julian Bashir dating advice and helping Nog navigate PTSD from his experiences in the Dominion War.
In a 2019 interview with StarTrek.com, Darren reflected on the role, saying, “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.”
Recalling the difficulty of filming the series finale, he shared, “The finale was hard to do. The cast had been there forever, so it was hard for them, and it was hard for me, too, because my relationship with everyone had grown instantly. I loved that entire cast. When it was ending, it was so sad, sad for them and extremely sad for me, too. I’d sing that song (‘The Way You Look Tonight’) to Nana Visitor… and she’d start crying. And when she’d start crying, I’d start crying. It was tough getting through it.”
Darren is survived by his wife Evy, sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren, five grandchildren, and one goddaughter.
The entire Star Trek family extends their condolences to Darren’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans worldwide.