On September 2, 2024, renowned actor James Darren, known for his roles in “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker,” passed away at the age of 88 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
According to a statement on his website, Darren passed away peacefully in his sleep. His son, Inside Edition correspondent Jim Moret, disclosed that Darren’s aortic valve replacement surgery had been cancelled due to his frail health.
“I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool,” Moret said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Darren, born James William Ercolani on June 8, 1936 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began his journey to stardom after catching the attention of a talent scout in New York City in 1958. Shortly afterward, he was signed by Columbia Pictures, launching a career that lasted for over six decades.
In 1959, Darren gained significant attention when he took on the role of Moondoggie, a charming surfer boy in the popular movie “Gidget.” This role not only propelled Darren to teen idol status but also played a role in sparking the 1960s surfing craze.
Leveraging his on-screen success, Darren obtained a recording contract, releasing two hit singles, “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty.” Both songs climbed to the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song “Goodbye Cruel World” gained renewed attention when it was featured in the soundtrack of Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film “The Fabelmans” in 2022.
Darren’s ability to adapt was evident in his varied career. In the 1980s, he portrayed Officer Jim Corrigan on the TV cop show “T.J. Hooker.” He also starred in the sci-fi show “The Time Tunnel” in the late 1960s, and made guest appearances on well-known series such as “The Love Boat,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Fantasy Island.”
His career also included roles in films produced by Columbia Studios, including “The Brothers Rico,” “Operation Meatball,” and “The Guns of Navarone.” His final movie role was in the 2017 film “Lucky,” directed by John Carroll Lynch.
Beyond acting and singing, Darren also directed popular television shows such as “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Hunter” over a span of two years.
Darren’s personal life was as multifaceted as his professional one. He was married twice, first to Gloria Terlitsky with whom he had a son, Jim Moret. After their divorce, Darren married Danish model Evy Norlund, a former Miss Universe contestant, and had two sons, Christian and Anthony.
Darren’s influence on the entertainment industry extended to his close relationships. He was the godfather of A.J. Lambert, daughter of Nancy Sinatra. Sinatra posted a heartfelt tribute on social media following Darren’s death, calling him “one of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life.”
She further wrote, “Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr,” Sinatra wrote.
Responding to Sinatra’s tribute, Moret wrote, “Nancy, my father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words.”
Throughout his career, Darren remained relevant across multiple decades and mediums, transitioning from a teen idol to a respected actor and director. In his final years, Darren found a new fan base when he portrayed the holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” in 1998.
James Darren’s death marks the loss of a Hollywood icon, leaving behind a legacy that includes music, film, and television. He is survived by his wife Evy, his three sons, and five grandchilren.
