Gidget and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actor James Darren dead at 88 as son remembers famous dad as a ‘good man’
ACTOR James Darren, known for his roles in Gidget and Star Trek, has died at 88.
His son confirmed that his father died at a Los Angeles hospital on Monday.
He told Variety that his dad had the opportunity to express his love for his family before his passing.
Jim also revealed that his father was being treated in the hospital’s cardiac unit.
“He was a good man. He was very talented,” Jim said.
“He was forever young.”
James is survived by his wife, Evy, and sons Jim, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren.
He also had five grandchildren.
No further details have been shared about James’ cause of death, or the reason he was hospitalized.
MOVING TRIBUTES
Fans on social media paid tribute to the actor, sharing kind words and reflecting on his career.
Popular X account @TrekCore, dedicated to all things Star Trek, posted a video of James on the show, along with a farewell message.
“Farewell to legendary singer and Star Trek DS9 recurring star Jimmy Darren – Vic Fontaine, your holosuite will always keep running in our hearts,” the post read.
“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,” Alison Martino, daughter of Al Montino, posted.
“Rest in peace, James Darren, I loved him in the Gidget movies!” gushed a third face.
“RIP the great James Darren – the one and only Vic Fontaine,” shared a fourth user.
“When I was a kid I couldn’t get enough of The Time Tunnel, and I loved The Guns of Navarone, plus he was Moondoggie. Don’t forget DS9, T.J. Hooker, ‘Hooker’s a good cop!’ And he could sing. Quite a career. Rest In Peace, James Darren,” a fan shared.
He was forever young
Jim Moret
“We lost James Darren today. One of the greats,” penned another.
JAMES’ LEGACY
James was a well-known actor, playing iconic roles like Moondoggie the surfer in Giget and Vic Fontaine, the Holosuit lounge singer, in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
He was born in Philadelphia and studied acting with Stella Adler in New York.
The actor was signed to Columbia Pictures, where he landed his first role in Rumble on the Docks.
He went on to star in Operation Madball, Gunmen’s Walk, and then Gidget, which served as the launch point for his career.
In addition to starring in the film, James sang the title track.
The song launched his singing career, and he went on to have a gold record with Goodbye Cruel World in 1961.
James released at least 14 albums during his career.
He went on to appear in films while singing, starring in The Guns of Navarone, The Gene Krupa Story, All the Young Men, and Because They’re Young.
James reprised his role as Moondoggie in Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome.
In addition to films, the actor appeared in a number of TV shows.
He was cast in The Time Tunnel; Venus in Furs; Love, American Style; Fantasy Island; and The Love Boat.
He was a regular on T.J. Hooker from 1983 to 1986 and moved from acting to directing.
James directed episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210, and Melrose Place.