Renowned entertainer James Darren, noted for his roles in “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker,” died on September 2, 2024. The 88-year-old actor passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
A statement on Darren’s official website confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep. His son, Jim Moret, a correspondent with “Inside Edition,” disclosed that Darren was due for an aortic valve replacement surgery, but doctors deemed him too frail for the procedure.
“I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool,” Moret reported to The Hollywood Reporter.
Darren, originally named James William Ercolani, was born on June 8, 1936, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His path to stardom started in 1958 when a talent scout in New York City noticed him. Soon after, Columbia Pictures signed him, marking the start of a fruitful career that spanned over 60 years.
The actor’s career took off in 1959 when he secured the role of Moondoggie, a charming surfer boy in the successful film “Gidget.” The role not only propelled Darren to the status of a teen idol but also played a significant part in sparking the 1960s surfing trend.
Following the tradition of actors of his time, Darren’s screen success led to a recording contract. He released two hit singles, “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” both of which made it to the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song “Goodbye Cruel World” experienced a resurgence in popularity when it was included in the soundtrack of Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film “The Fabelmans” in 2022.
Darren showcased his versatility throughout his career. In the 1980s, he landed one of his most notable roles as Officer Jim Corrigan in the television series “T.J. Hooker.” He also starred in the sci-fi series “The Time Tunnel” in the late 1960s and made guest appearances on well-known series like “The Love Boat,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Fantasy Island.”
His acting career also included roles in films produced by Columbia Studios, such as “The Brothers Rico,” “Operation Meatball,” and “The Guns of Navarone.” Darren’s last movie role was in the 2017 film “Lucky,” directed by John Carroll Lynch.
Beyond acting and singing, Darren also delved into directing. For roughly two years, he directed popular television shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Hunter.”
Darren’s personal life was as full as his professional one. He married his first wife, Gloria Terlitsky, in 1955, and they had a son, Jim Moret. Following their divorce, Darren married Danish model Evy Norlund, a former Miss Universe contestant. They had two sons together, Christian and Anthony.
Darren was the godfather of Nancy Sinatra’s daughter, A.J. Lambert. Upon hearing of his passing, Sinatra shared a touching tribute on social media, referring to Darren as “one of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life.”
“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,” Sinatra wrote.
In response to Sinatra’s post, Moret wrote, “Nancy My father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words.”
Darren left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry with his ability to adapt and excel across various decades and mediums. His legacy is marked by his transition from a teen idol to a respected actor and director, and he maintained a significant presence in Hollywood.
During his final years, Darren continued to connect with his craft and his fans. In 1998, he gained a new generation of followers when he played the recurring role of Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer, in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
The passing of James Darren represents the end of an era in Hollywood, leaving behind an extensive body of work that spans music, film, and television. He is survived by his wife Evy, his three sons, and five grandchildren.
