James Darren, the beloved actor and singer who captured America’s heart in roles ranging from the iconic surfer boy in “Gidget” to the tough cop on “T.J. Hooker,” has passed away at the age of 88. Darren died peacefully in his sleep on September 2nd at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of Hollywood history.
Darren’s son, “Inside Edition” correspondent Jim Moret, shared that his father had been preparing for an aortic valve replacement surgery, but doctors deemed him too weak to undergo the procedure. “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool,” Moret told the Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on the indomitable spirit that defined his father’s life and career.
Born James Ercolani in 1936 in South Philadelphia, Darren’s rise to stardom was the embodiment of the American Dream. From his humble beginnings, he made his way to New York City, where his talent was quickly recognized by a talent scout, leading to a contract with Columbia Pictures. It wasn’t long before he became a household name, landing the role of Moondoggie in the 1959 classic “Gidget.” His portrayal of the laid-back, sun-kissed surfer captivated audiences and cemented his place in Hollywood’s golden era.
But Darren wasn’t just a pretty face on the silver screen; he was a man of many talents. In addition to his acting, he had a successful music career, recording two hit singles, “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” both of which climbed to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His music transcended time, with “Goodbye Cruel World” even making its way into the 2022 soundtrack of Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans.”
The 1980s brought another wave of success for Darren when he took on the role of Officer Jim Corrigan in the hit TV show “T.J. Hooker,” alongside William Shatner. This role became one of the most iconic of his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor who could transition seamlessly from the youthful charm of Moondoggie to the gritty reality of law enforcement.
Darren’s career was not confined to acting and singing alone. He also stepped behind the camera, directing episodes of popular TV shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Hunter.” His directing career, though brief, demonstrated his deep understanding of the industry and his ability to adapt to its ever-changing landscape.
His final film role came in 2017’s “Lucky,” directed by John Carroll Lynch, marking the end of a glittering career that spanned nearly six decades.
Darren’s personal life was as full as his professional one. He married his first wife, Gloria, in 1955, with whom he had his son Jim Moret. After their divorce, Darren married Danish model Evy Norlund, and together they had two sons, Christian and Anthony.
Nancy Sinatra, a close family friend and godmother to Darren’s daughter A.J. Lambert, paid tribute to him on social media, calling him “one of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life.” Her words captured the deep bonds Darren formed throughout his life, both in and out of the spotlight.
As we say goodbye to James Darren, we remember a man who was not just an entertainer, but a true icon of American culture. His cool, effortless charm, combined with his immense talent, ensured that he will not be forgotten. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. The world was a better place with you in it.
