James Darren, Star of ‘Gidget’ and ‘T.J. Hooker,’ Passes Away at 88

James Darren, the beloved actor, director, and singer best known for his iconic role as Moondoggie in the 1959 film *Gidget*, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Darren died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret, a correspondent for *Inside Edition*, who shared the news with *The Hollywood Reporter*. Darren was scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery but was considered too weak for the procedure.

“I always believed he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool,” Moret—son of Warren and Gloria Terlitsky—told the outlet.

Nancy Sinatra paid tribute to Darren on Instagram, sharing two heartfelt photos—one from her daughter’s baptism and another of her and Darren together. “One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life, has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ (@aj.lambert). Wishing him a fast and beautiful journey through the Universe and beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony, and Jimmy, Jr. 💔”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝙽𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚢 𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚛𝚊 (@nancysinatra)

In response to Sinatra’s tribute, Moret expressed his gratitude on X, saying, “Nancy, my father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words.”

James Darren, born James Ercolani, honed his craft under the legendary acting coach Stella Adler in New York. The Philadelphia native began his Hollywood journey by signing with Columbia Pictures and making his film debut in the 1956 drama *Rumble on the Docks*, according to his official website.

Darren’s breakout role came in 1959 as the charming surfer Moondoggie in *Gidget*, a role he reprised in the sequels *Gidget Goes Hawaiian* (1961) and *Gidget Goes to Rome* (1963).

In addition to his acting career, Darren also found success as a singer in the mid-1960s. He performed the title track for *Gidget*, and its popularity led to a successful music career, highlighted by his biggest hit, 1961’s “Goodbye Cruel World,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Darren continued his acting career in television, starring in popular series like the 1966 sci-fi show *The Time Tunnel* and the 1980s police drama *T.J. Hooker*, where he worked alongside William Shatner.

Reflecting on Darren’s passing, Shatner shared on X, “Jimmy Darren—I worked with him for several years and then we’d see each other on occasion. What a wonderful man—so talented, so loving. I had the best time with him. The world is less because of his loss.”

After decades in front of the camera, Darren transitioned to television directing, contributing to shows like *Melrose Place* and *Beverly Hills, 90210* during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Darren is survived by his wife, Evy, his sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Anthony Darren, and five grandchildren.