James Darren dead: Star Trek and Gidget legend dies aged 88 as son issues heartbreaking statement
The actor James Darren has died at the age of 88, his son has confirmed.
Darren shot to fame in his teenage years after setting stages alight as a singer across the pond.
He’s arguably best known for his role as heartthrob surfer Moondoggie in the Gigdget movie franchise, appearing in three instalments.
On the small screen, he appeared in over 60 episodes of the cop series TJ Hooker, taking on the role of Officer Jim Corrigan.
And Star Trek fans will undoubtedly remember him best for his stint as Vic Fontaine during the 1990s in the sci-fi series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
His son told Hollywood Reporter that Darren died in his sleep after being admitted to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
According to his son, Jim Moret, he was initially admitted to undergo surgery for an aortic valve replacement.
However, he was deemed to be too weak for the operation and was briefly sent home before having to return before his death.
Moret told THR: “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool.”
Following the news of his death, tributes from far and wide have flooded in for the legendary actor, with several X users taking to social media with their condolences and memories of the actor.
Farewell to legendary singer and #StarTrek DS9 recurring star Jimmy Darren — Vic Fontaine, your holosuite will always keep running in our hearts.#JamesDarren pic.twitter.com/7CCdWlm2Vi
— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) September 2, 2024
“Farewell to legendary singer and #StarTrek DS9 recurring star Jimmy Darren — Vic Fontaine, your holosuite will always keep running in our hearts,” one Star Trek fan account penned.
Another fan weighed in: “Just heard that James Darren has passed away. Dad and James went back 65 years.
“In fact, I just found these black-and-white photos of them together during the 70s. Two singers from Philly that never lost their cool street sense. We’ll miss you Moondoggie.”
Elsewhere, a third commented: “Rest in peace, James Darren. I loved him in the Gidget movies!”
“Sad to see James Darren passed away,” a fourth said. “Known as a teen singing idol and an actor he also became a very good interpreter of the Great American Songbook as time went by. Met him once working on a show he was involved with & it was a delightful experience.”
And a fifth echoed: “RIP James Darren — one of the greats. Vic Fontaine changed my life. Glad I got to tell him so.”
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while Gidget, TJ Hooker and Deep Space Nine may be his most memorable roles, Darren’s CV boasted credits in several other small-screen hits.
He’s also starred in Charlie’s Angels, Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat, The Boss’ Son and many more.
