James Darren, the actor and singer who became a teen idol in the 1960s with his role as Moondoggie in the hit film “Gidget,” passed away at the age of 88. Darren died peacefully in his sleep at a Los Angeles hospital, according to his son, Jim Moret. Darren had been scheduled for an aortic valve replacement but was reportedly too weak for the surgery.
Darren’s career spanned decades, encompassing acting, singing, and directing. He gained fame in the late 1950s as the surfer boy Moondoggie, starring alongside Sandra Dee in “Gidget,” a film that helped ignite the surfing craze and influenced pop culture. His success with the teen audience led to a recording contract, with hits like “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty” reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.
Beyond “Gidget,” Darren appeared in a variety of films and television shows, including “The Guns of Navarone” and “T.J. Hooker,” where he also launched a successful directing career. Born James Ercolani in 1936 in South Philadelphia, Darren’s early passion for entertainment led him to a long and varied career in Hollywood, leaving a lasting legacy in both film and television.
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