James Darren, well-known for his work on films like “Gidget” and TV reveals like “T.J. Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” is useless.
The veteran actor died peacefully in his sleep Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles … his son, Jim Moret, confirmed to TMZ.
The reason for demise is unclear, however James’ son says his well-known father was having coronary heart points and was being handled on the hospital’s cardiac unit. We’re informed James initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve alternative, however was deemed too weak to endure the process and was despatched residence … solely to be taken again to the hospital.
James grew to become a teen idol again within the day when he performed a surfer often called Moondoggie on 1959’s “Gidget” and its two sequels … “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome.”
On TV, James had a recurring function on “T.J. Hooker” as police officer Jim Corrigan … showing in 66 episodes throughout 4 seasons.
James additionally had a recurring gig on ‘Deep House 9’ … taking part in holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine within the late Nineties TV collection.
Along with performing, James loved a profitable profession as a singer … and he additionally directed a wide range of TV episodes on reveals like “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “The A-Team” … amongst others.
James sang the theme tune for “Gidget” and carried out one other monitor within the flick … and in 1961 he reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Cruel World.”
He is survived by his 3 sons and 5 grandkids.
James was 88.
RIP
