James Darren, well-known for his work on films like “Gidget” and TV reveals like “T.J. Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep House 9,” is lifeless.
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 loss of life 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 instructed James initially went to the hospital for an aortic valve alternative, however was deemed too weak to bear the process and was despatched dwelling … solely to be taken again to the hospital.
James turned a teen idol again within the day when he performed a surfer referred to as 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’ … enjoying holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine within the late Nineteen Nineties TV collection.
Along with appearing, 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-Staff” … amongst others.
James sang the theme track for “Gidget” and carried out one other monitor within the flick … and in 1961 he reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Merciless World.”
He is survived by his 3 sons and 5 grandkids.
James was 88.
RIP