James Darren Dead at 88
If you are like me, you did a double take when you heard that name.
James Darren… James Darren… Oh, you mean Moondoggie!
Sadly, the man who helped launch an entire genre of movies has passed away at the age of 88.
Moondoggie is Gone
Darren was reportedly scheduled to have an aortic valve replacement last week, but he was too weak for the surgery and sent home.
Then, on Sunday, he was rushed back to the hospital, passing away on Monday.
Jim Moret, his son, stated, "It was kind of a surprise to be quite honest with you.
“I mean, we knew that he was not well, but we didn't expect this."
Darren was only in the movie business for a few years when he got the break of a lifetime, being cast opposite Sandra Dee in “Gidget.”
It was the first of what would become a slew of successful surfer-themed movies in the late 1960s and 1970s, including several more “Gidget” films.
By that time, Darren was a legitimate leading man, having already played Johnny Rico in “The Brothers Rico.”
After that, Darren was an A-lister, also starring in movies such as “All the Young Men,” “The Guns of Navarone,” “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.”
He was also in some of the most popular TV shows at the time, including, “SWAT,” “Police Woman,” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
Toward the end of his acting career, his last major recurring TV role was Officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J. Hooker,” and he also had a recurring role in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
He was just as successful behind the camera as he was in front of it, having credits on 25 different soundtracks and directing 17 projects.
On a personal note, Darren was also the godfather to Nancy Sinatra’s daughter.
Sinatra paid tribute to her dear friend, writing, "One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away.
"Godfather to my daughter, AJ. 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."
Rest in peace, sir.
