James Darren, the charismatic teen idol who became a symbol of the 1960s surfing craze, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Darren died peacefully in his sleep at a Los Angeles hospital, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret.
Moret shared with The Hollywood Reporter that Darren was scheduled for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak for the procedure. "I always thought he would pull through", Moret reflected. "He was so cool. He was always cool."
Darren's career spanned several decades, encompassing acting, singing, and directing. He became widely known for his role as Moondoggie, the dark-haired surfer boy in the 1959 film Gidget, which starred Sandra Dee as the title character. The film, based on Frederick Kohner's novel about his daughter’s teenage adventures, not only ignited the surfing craze but also influenced pop culture in fashion and music.
While Darren was celebrated for his role in Gidget, his career extended far beyond. He transitioned successfully into television directing, working on episodes of notable series such as Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place. In the 1980s, he starred as Officer Jim Corrigan on the popular cop show T.J. Hooker.
Music also played a significant role in Darren's career. Following his success in Gidget, he was signed to a recording contract and released several hits, including Goodbye Cruel World and Her Royal Majesty, both of which made it to the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His music even made a return to the spotlight with Goodbye Cruel World featured in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film, The Fabelmans.
Darren's legacy continued through his appearances in the sequels to Gidget, including Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961) and Gidget Goes to Rome (1963). Despite the changing cast, Darren remained a constant presence, humorously noting his contractual obligations in interviews.
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