James Darren, 'Gidget' and 'T.J. Hooker' star, dies at 88 after hospitalization: Reports
Actor and former teen idol James Darren, best known for his role in the "Gidget" franchise, has died, according to reports. He was 88.
Darren reportedly died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his son Jim Moret confirmed to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Per THR, Darren was hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement, though he was later "deemed too weak" to have the procedure.
"He was a good man. He was very talented," Moret told Variety. "He was forever young."
Singer-songwriter Nancy Sinatra also paid tribute to Darren in an emotional X post.
"One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away," Sinatra wrote alongside a photo collage of the two. "Wishing him a fast (and) beautiful journey through the universe (and) beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony (and) Jimmy Jr."
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USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Darren and Moret for comment.
Darren starred as Jeffrey Matthews, aka Moondoggie, in the 1959 surfing rom-com "Gidget" alongside Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson. He reprised the role in the sequels "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" (1961) and "Gidget Goes to Rome" (1963).
Darren also had a prolific career in television, which included recurring roles on the crime drama "T.J. Hooker" from 1982-1986 and the sci-fi adventure series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" from 1998-1999.
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Aside from acting, the Philadelphia-born entertainer was a teen pop sensation in his early career. He released a series of singles throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, including the 1961 hit "Goodbye Cruel World."
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Darren is survived by wife Evy Norlund and sons Moret, Christian Darren and Anthony Darren.