James Darren, a teen idol known for his role as Moondoggie in the 1959 film “Gidget” and his success in both acting and music, passed away at 88. He began his career in the late 1950s and went on to star in various films and television shows, acting as Officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J. Hooker” and directing episodes of popular series like “Beverly Hills 90210.” Despite his success, he was best known for his role in “Gidget,” where he starred alongside Sandra Dee. The film helped popularize the surfing craze and influenced pop culture in various ways.
Darren’s success in acting also led to a recording contract, with two of his singles reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He continued to act in both films and television throughout the 1960s and later transitioned to focus on directing. Darren was also active in television, appearing in various guest roles in shows like “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island.” He later returned to acting in the 1990s, appearing in series like “Melrose Place” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
Born James Ercolani, Darren grew up in South Philadelphia and started performing at a young age. He had a successful career, balancing acting, singing, and directing throughout his life. Darren was married twice and had several children, including his son Jim Moret, who is a correspondent for “Inside Edition.” He was also the godfather of Nancy Sinatra’s daughter, showing his strong ties to the entertainment industry. Darren’s legacy lives on through his contributions to both music and film.
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