James Darren, the actor known for his role as Moondoggie in the 1959 surf movie "Gidget," died on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 88 years old. Darren's son, Jim Moret, an "Inside Edition" correspondent, confirmed his father's death, stating that he needed an aortic valve replacement but was not strong enough for the surgery.
Born James William Ercolani in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1936, James Darren began his entertainment career at a young age. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his Broadway debut in 1955 in the musical "Li'l Abner." Darren's first major film role came in 1959, when he was cast as Moondoggie, the teenage surfing star in the film "Gidget," alongside Sandra Dee as the titular character.
"Gidget" became a box office hit, and Darren reprised his role in the two sequels, "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" (1961) and "Gidget Goes to Rome" (1963). However, despite the success of the "Gidget" franchise, Darren's subsequent films, such as "The Thrill of It All" (1963) and "For Those Who Think Young" (1964), failed to achieve the same level of success.
James Darren, Star of "Gidget," Passes Away at 88
In the late 1960s, Darren expanded his career into television, appearing in guest roles on shows such as "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "The Wild Wild West." He also starred in a number of television movies, including "The Death of Me Yet" (1971) and "The Longest Night" (1972). Around this time, Darren began his successful behind-the-scenes career as a television director, helming episodes of well-known series such as "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place."
Darren returned to acting full-time in the 1980s, starring as Officer Jim Corrigan in the television series "T.J. Hooker" (1982-1986). He also appeared in several films, including "The Final Countdown" (1980) and "Star Trek: Generations" (1994), where he portrayed Captain Harriman. In addition, Darren had guest roles on television shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Murder, She Wrote."
James Darren, Star of "Gidget," Passes Away at 88
James Darren was married twice, first to actress Evy Norlund from 1959 to 1973 and then to Maureen Ann Johnston from 1980 until his death. He had two children, a son named Jim and a daughter named Naomi. Darren continued to act and direct throughout his later years, appearing in films such as "The Last Hit Men" (2008) and "The Way, Way Back" (2013).
James Darren's death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from his colleagues and fans. Many remembered him for his charming personality, his talent as an actor and director, and his unwavering commitment to his craft. Darren's legacy as a versatile entertainer who made significant contributions to film and television will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
James Darren, Star of "Gidget," Passes Away at 88
