The entertainment world mourns the loss of James Darren, a favorite actor, singer, and director whose iconic performances left a permanent mark on popular culture. Darren, best known for his portrayal of Moon Doaggy in the Gidget films of the late 1950s and early 1960s, passed away on Monday. His legacy will be cherished forever.
A Tragic Loss
Darren passed away while sleeping at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His son, Jim Moret, who works as a reporter for Inside Edition, shared this information with The Hollywood Reporter. Darren had gone to the hospital to get a new aortic valve, but doctors said he was too weak for the operation. He went back home but had to come back to the hospital later.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Indeed, Darren was a close friend of Nancy Sinatra, who took to social media to express her sadness over his passing, mentioning that he was the godfather of her daughter. That shows the personal touches that Darren had with people in his life.
A Rising Star
Born James Ercolani on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, Darren’s journey to stardom began when he was discovered by casting director Joyce Selznick. His breakout role as Moondoggie in the film “Gidget” (1959) solidified his status as a teen idol, and he reprised this role in its sequels, “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961) and “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963)
The Teen Idol
It was his portrayal of Moondoggie in the 1959 classic Gidget that cemented Darren’s status as a teen idol. His popularity soared as he reprised the role in Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961) and Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), making him the one and only Moondoggie across all three films. Darren was the only actor from the original Gidget film to appear as Moondoggie in the sequels, as Sandra Dee’s character was played by different actresses in the later films
A Versatile Talent
As Darren’s acting career took off, so did his singing career. In 1961, he reached #3 on the Billboard charts with his hits “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty.”. His singing talent was an integral part of his appeal and attraction to fans, and he continued through the years to perform, including as a singer in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” in the 1990
A Lasting Impact
In his later years, Darren touched audiences once again with his role as crooner Big Fontaine on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A part that reignited his passion for music, he also ventured into directing, leaving an indelible mark on the industry he loved so dearly.
A Beloved Figure
He was married twice, first to Gloria Terlitsky in 1955, but they divorced in 1958. He then married Evy Norlund in 1960, and they remained together until his death. Darren had three children: Jim Moret, Christian, and Anthony, along with several grandchildren
As we say goodbye to this cherished star, our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, James Darren.
