James Darren, the actor and former teen idol best known for his role in the “Gidget” franchise, has passed away at the age of 88. His son, Jim Moret, confirmed that Darren died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Darren had been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak for the procedure.
Darren rose to prominence as Jeffrey Matthews, commonly known as Moondoggie, in the 1959 surfing rom-com “Gidget,” co-starring with Sandra Dee. He resumed his role in the sequels “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961) and “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963). His television credits include parts on the cr1minal drama “T.J. Hooker” (1982-1986) and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1998-1999).
In addition to acting, Darren enjoyed success as a teen pop star, with hits like the 1961 single “Goodbye Cruel World.”
He is survived by his wife, Evy Norlund, and his three kids, Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Anthony Darren.
Nancy Sinatra, a close friend, paid tribute to Darren, saying, “Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love.”