“James Darren, the former teen idol, has passed away in his sleep at 88. He had been battling aortic valve disease.
James Darren’s son, Jim Moret, also a correspondent for Inside Edition, announced the news of his father’s death. Jim Moret told The Hollywood Reporter that James Darren passed away peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
The actor, known for his role as the dreamy surfer Moon doggie in three Gidget films and later for his TV roles in The Time Tunnel and T.J. Hooker, was initially admitted to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement. However, he was deemed too weak to undergo the surgery. Moret shared, ‘I always thought he’d make it through because he was so cool. He was always cool.’
About James Darren.
“Darren was born James Ercolani in 1936 and grew up in South Philadelphia. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for singing, and by the age of 14, he had already been performing at local nightclubs. His early start in music set the stage for a successful career in entertainment and music.
Darren’s Marriage Life.
Darren married his first wife, Gloria Terlitsky, in 1955. They had a son, James Jr., but the couple divorced by 1958. James Jr. was later adopted by Terlitsky’s third husband and is now known as Jim Moret, a well-known US news anchor. Despite the changes in his family life, Darren’s career continued to thrive, and he remained a prominent figure in entertainment.
Darren’s Acting Career.
James Darren was a famous American actor, singer, and director who became well-known in the 1950s and 1960s. He was especially popular as a teen idol for his roles in movies like Gidget (1959) and The Guns of Navarone (1961). Besides acting, Darren also found success in music, with hits like ‘Goodbye Cruel World‘ that his fans still love.
Darren also left his mark on television, especially in the 1990s series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where he played Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer. His smooth voice and charm made him a fan favorite on the show, further cementing his legacy as a versatile entertainer.
On the professional front, Darren earned praise for his roles in ‘Let No Man Write My Epitaph, Knock on Any Door,’ and ‘The Guns of Navarone early in his career. These performances helped establish him as a talented actor with diverse roles. His work in these films was well-received and contributed significantly to his growing reputation in the entertainment industry.
In an interview with Tom Weaver for the 2008 book I Talked With a Zombie, Darren revealed that he was never particularly drawn to TV series or science fiction. While he respected those genres, his interests and passions lay elsewhere. Despite this, he managed to make a notable impact in both areas, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
However, it was after meeting Irwin Allen, the creator of The Time Tunnel, that Darren decided to take the leap into the project. This meeting changed his perspective and opened up new opportunities for him. Despite his initial reservations, he embraced the role and made a memorable impact on the show.
In Loving Memory of James Darren
James Darren was not only celebrated for his impressive career but also for his remarkable presence and warm personality. His contributions to both film and music have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His legacy will continue to resonate with fans and admirers around the world, and he will be fondly remembered for the joy and inspiration he brought to so many.
James Darren will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his enduring contributions and the memorable moments he created throughout his distinguished career. His impact on the world of entertainment will continue to be cherished by all who know his work.
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