James Darren, the iconic actor known for his role in Gidget, has passed away, leaving fans in deep mourning. As the news of his death spreads, people want to know about what happened.
In this article, we will delve into the details of James Darren’s death.
James Darren passes away at 88, claims report
James Darren, the iconic actor and singer, passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy marked by memorable roles in film and television. Known for his portrayal of Moondoggie in the 1959 hit movie Gidget and later as Officer Jim Corrigan in T.J. Hooker, Darren’s career spanned over six decades, during which he became a cherished figure in Hollywood.
Darren died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 2, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His son, Jim Moret, confirmed the news of James Darren’s death to The Hollywood Reporter. Darren had been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement, but due to his weakened condition, the surgery was not performed. He was briefly sent home but had to return to the hospital, where he eventually passed away.
Reflecting on his father’s passing, Moret expressed surprise, noting that while they knew Darren was unwell, his death came unexpectedly. “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,” Moret shared with CBS News. Despite the suddenness, Darren experienced no pain and was able to express his love for his family before his passing.
Born James Ercolani in Philadelphia in 1936, Darren was the son of Italian immigrants. His early life was marked by a rebellious streak, but he found his calling in acting, dropping out of school at 16 to pursue it full-time. Discovered by a talent scout, Darren studied under the legendary Stella Adler in New York before making his film debut in 1956 with Rumble on the Docks.
His career took off with Gidget, where his role as Moondoggie made him a household name and a symbol of California’s surf culture.
