James Darren, 'TJ Hooker' star and beloved '60s heartthrob, dies at 88

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: James Darren, the beloved actor whose charm captivated audiences across generations, has died at the age of 88. Known for his iconic roles in 'Gidget', 'TJ Hooker', and 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', Darren left an indelible mark in the film and television industries. 

From his rise as a '60s heartthrob to his memorable performances as a holographic lounge singer, Darren’s career spanned over six decades, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal.

James Darren’s son Jim Moret reports father’s death

James Darren's son Jim Moret confirmed his death and said that his father was being treated for heart problems at a hospital's cardiac unit. As of September 3, Darren's cause of death has not been disclosed. 

Darren originally went to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement, but his doctors decided to send him home, believing he was too weak for the surgery. He was later readmitted to the hospital, Daily Mail reported.

"I always thought he would pull through," Moret told Hollywood Reporter. "Because he was so cool. He was always cool."

Further, Moret added to Variety, "He was a good man. He was very talented. He was forever young."

Singer-songwriter Nancy Sinatra shared an emotional tweet after Darren's death, "One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ. Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr."

Who was James Darren?

James Darren was born in Philadelphia and inspired to pursue a career in entertainment as a child. He traveled to New York City to study acting and was eventually discovered by Columbia Pictures talent scout Joyce Selznick, leading to a contract with the studio.

He first married his childhood sweetheart Gloria Terlitsky in 1955. Their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1958. In 1960, he married Evy Norlund, a former Miss Denmark, as per DailyMail.

Darren is survived by Norlund, their three sons—Jim Moret, Christian, and Anthony—along with grandchildren Amanda, Carly, Matthew, Natalie, and Nicholas, and goddaughter AJ Lambert, Nancy Sinatra's daughter.

James Darren's illustrative career

In 1956, Darren made his film debut alongside Ryan Blake in the crime drama 'Rumble on the Docks'. He also appeared in 'Operation Mad Ball', 'The Brothers Rico', 'The Tijuana Story', and 'Gunman's Walk'.

James Darren became famous as a teen heartthrob with his role as Moondoggie, a surfer, in the 1959 romantic comedy 'Gidget'.

Following the film’s success, he reprised his role in the sequels -- 'Gidget Goes Hawaiian' (1961) and 'Gidget Goes to Rome' (1963).

Early in his career, Darren also appeared in the 1949 film 'Knock on Any Door', the 1960 movie 'Let No Man Write My Epitaph', and the 1961 action-adventure film 'The Guns of Navarone'.

He was well-regarded for his recurring role as Officer Jim Corrigan on the drama series 'TJ Hooker', appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons starting in 1982.

Darren also gained recognition for his role on 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', where he played Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer, in the late 1990s.

He also starred as Dr Tony Newman, an electronics genius, in the adventure series 'The Time Tunnel' which aired on ABC from 1966 to 1967.

James Darren revealed how he developed an interest in television

In an interview with Tom Beaver for the 2008 book 'I Talked With A Zombie', James Darren admitted he had no initial interest in television or sci-fi before meeting 'The Time Tunnel' creator Irwin Allen.

Darren recalled Allen saying, "This is something you have to do. I know you don't want to, but I think you are perfect for this role."

Darren added, "And he convinced me. Irwin was one of the great salespersons of our time. I accepted the role because of my meeting with him."

In 1986, Darren expanded his career by directing the final season of 'TJ Hooker' as an emergency replacement.

He soon discovered his filmmaking talent and went on to direct episodes of 'Hunter', 'Silk Stalkings', 'Melrose Place', 'Werewolf', 'The A-Team', and 'Beverly Hills, 90210'.

James Darren’s singing career

Alongside his acting and directing careers, Darren was also a singer. His 1961 song 'Goodbye Cruel World' reached Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The following year, his song 'Her Royal Majesty',  written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, also entered the Top 10.

Darren revived his singing career in the late '90s for 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'.

He recorded several Frank Sinatra-inspired tracks for the 1999 album 'This One's From the Heart', portraying a holographic lounge singer—a role he described as "one of the most enjoyable" he had ever played.

Darren spent many years out of the limelight before making a return to Hollywood for Harry Dean Stanton's movie titled 'Lucky' in 2017.