James Darren, who went from teen idol status starring in children's films like "Gidget" to acting on TV shows like "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "TJ Hooker" to becoming a singer and director, died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 88.
James Darren, former teen idol actor and singer who starred in the 'Gidget' films, dies at 88
His son Jim Moret said he was able to express his love for his family while he was being treated in the cardiac unit. “He was a good person. He was very talented,” Moret said. “He was forever young.”
Moret said he was grateful that his father was able to embrace his signature role as surfer Moondoggie in the film "Gidget" and that he remained in touch with his fans.
Born in Philadelphia, he studied acting with Stella Adler in New York and was signed by Columbia Pictures, where his first role was in "Rumble on the Docks." He appeared in such films as "Operation Madball" and "Gunmen's Walk" before being cast in the 1959 teen film "Gidget," starring Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson. Darren also sang the theme song for the hit film, which was based on the experiences of a teenage surfer in Malibu and later became a popular TV series.
