James Darren, singer and star of “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker”, dies at 88

He was also known for directing episodes of popular series including "Melrose Place" and "Beverly Hills, 90210."

James Darren, a singer, director, and actor known for playing a dreamboat surfer in Gidget and for roles in TV shows such as T.J. Hooker and The Time Tunnel, died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 88.

His son, Inside Edition chief correspondent Jim Moret, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that Darren passed away in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

"Fortunately, he was not in any pain," Moret said. "It was a peaceful passing. His family got to express love for him and vice versa."

Darren was originally in the hospital for a scheduled aortic valve replacement, but the surgery was delayed due to his health and he went home. The actor returned to the hospital on Sunday.

Moret said he was proud of his father's long career as both a teen idol and singer.

"He connected with so many people over Moondoggie," said Moret of his father's celebrated Gidget character. "I remember telling him what a gift it was."

Moret also fondly remembered taking his kids to see their grandfather perform at Las Vegas' South Point Hotel in 2018.

“It was great to watch," he said. "He had the swagger, voice, talent, and charm. Their grandfather was cool.”

Born June 8, 1936 in Philadelphia, Darren first signed a long-term contract with Columbia in July 1956, and not long after played the lead role in his first film, Rumble on the Docks. In 1957, Darren had several roles, including in an episode of the show The Web, and in the films Operation Mad Ball, The Brothers Rico, and The Tijuana Story.

He also played Davy Hackett in 1958's Gunman's Walk, but it wasn't until 1959 that he starred in what would become his first big hit. In Gidget, he starred alongside Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson, and played the dreamy surfer Moondoggie. He also sang the film's title track, which much like the film, was a hit with teen girls.

The song's success led to him recording a series of pop hits for Colpix Records, the most notable of which was "Goodbye Cruel World," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. Other hits Darren recorded included "Her Royal Majesty" (at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962) and "Conscience" (at No. 11, also in 1962). He continued to sing throughout his career, releasing at least 14 albums and several more compilations.

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Darren would go on to reprise the role of Moondoggie in sequels Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961) and Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), and starred in a number films in the '60s, before transitioning more to television work in his later years.

His first notable role was as Dr. Tony Newman in 30 episodes of adventure series The Time Tunnel, but perhaps his best-known TV work was as Officer Jim Corrigan opposite Heather Locklear in T.J. Hooker. In later years, he played Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Tony Marlin in Melrose Place.

Darren was not just a singer and actor, however. His talents also included directing for series such as Hunter, Silk Stalkings, Melrose Place, Werewolf, The A-Team and Beverly Hills, 90210.

In addition to Moret, Darren is also survived by his wife Evy Norlund, sons Christian Darren and Tony Darren, and five grandchildren. He was also the godfather of A.J. Lambert, Nancy Sinatra's daughter.

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Sinatra herself paid tribute to Darren on Monday, writing on social media, "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."

"My father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words," Jim Moret wrote in response to Sinatra's tribute.

Additional reporting by Tiffany Kelly.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.