James Darren, the teen idol who captured hearts in the 1960s, has passed away at 88. Remembering the man who made Moondoggie cool!
James Darren, the beloved teen idol known for his charismatic performances in the 1960s surf film, "Gidget," passed away at the age of 88. His portrayal as the charming Moondoggie opposite Sandra Dee helped set the stage for the surfing craze that defined an era. For many Canadians as well, the escapism and fun represented in those beach party films provided a delightful peek into a sunny California lifestyle that contrasted with chillier northern winters.
Darren didn’t just stop at portraying a beach boy; he also carved out a respected career as a singer and director. His melodic voice graced several pop charts, delivering hits that captivated fans long after the surfboards were put away. In addition to his iconic role in "Gidget," Darren found success on the small screen, particularly in the crime drama "T.J. Hooker," which cemented his status as a versatile performer and a household name.
His legacy extends beyond these roles, as he wrapped up his career with notable appearances in rejuvenated franchises like "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," where he played the suave lounge singer Vic Fontaine. Known for his charming smiles and sparkling eyes, Darren was a staple in the entertainment industry for over six decades, impacting not only fans of the 60s surfing culture but also a new generation of viewers who discovered his work through reruns and streaming platforms.
As we bid farewell to a true matinee idol, it’s worth noting that Darren was not just about the sandy beaches and summer breezes; he built a wonderfully diverse career that included theatre work and directing. What’s even more entertaining is that this teen heartthrob had a brief relationship with actress and singer, Annette Funicello, which added a sprinkle of romance to his already impressive story. James Darren may have taken his final bow, but his influence on film and music continues to ripple through time. Here’s to the waves he inspired and the memories he created!
LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit ...
Condolences to my old friend, Jim Moret, of “Inside Edition” on the loss of his father. There were a lot of different beach party movies in the late 50s and the ...
James Darren, the former teen idol and pop singer who found success on television in the Aaron Spelling-produced crime drama "T.J. Hooker," died in his ...
James Darren, teen idol who helped ignite 1960s surfing craze with "Gidget" and later sang and directed, dies at 88.
James Darren, who starred in 'Gidget,' 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' and 'T.J. Hooker,' died Monday. He was 88.
James Darren, the former teen idol actor known for his role as Moondoggie in the "Gidget" films, died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 88.
StarTrek.com is saddened to report the passing of James Darren, who played the charismatic lounge singer, Vic Fontaine, across seven episodes for Star Trek: ...
Actor James Darren, best known for his role in the "Gidget" franchise, reportedly died on Monday following a hospitalization for cardiac treatment.
The actor starred in the 1959 surf movie Gidget which ignited the surfing craze of the 1960s.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film ...
LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Darren, teen idol who helped ignite 1960s surfing craze with "Gidget" and later sang and directed, dies at 88. Sep 2, 2024 ...
James Darren, who played the dreamy surfer Moondoggie in Gidget movies before starring on TV on The Time Tunnel and T.J. Hooker, has died at 88.
The actor starred in the 1959 surf movie Gidget which ignited the surfing craze of the 1960s.
James Darren, an actor, director and singer who had his breakout role of Moondoggie in the 1959 movie “Gidget,” died Monday at age 88, Variety reported.
The actor starred in the 1959 surf movie Gidget which ignited the surfing craze of the 1960s.
The teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film “Gidget,” died Monday at 88.
The actor starred in the 1959 surf movie Gidget which ignited the surfing craze of the 1960s.
The teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a handsome beach boy in the “Gidget” movies, James Darren has died at 88. In his long career, ...
Le comédien, qui s'était fait connaître au cinéma dans les années 1950 avant de se lancer dans la musique, était un ami proche de Nancy Sinatra, ...
Le comédien James Darren, vu notamment dans les séries Hooker, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Beverly Hills ou Melrose Place, est décédé le 2 septembre à l'âge ...
L'acteur James Darren, connu pour ses rôles dans les séries «Hooker» et «Star Trek : Deep Space Nine», est décédé ce lundi 2 septembre à 88 ans.
Sinatra paid tribute by sharing a selection of photos from over the years of her and Darren, who was godfather to her daughter AJ Lambert.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a handsome beach boy in the “Gidget” movies, James Darren has died at 88.
James Darren, the teen idol who famously played surfer boy Moondoggie in the midcentury 'Gidget' films, died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 88.
Darren was probably best known as Moondoggie in the “Gidget” film series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His son, Jim Moret, confirmed his father's death, ...
In his long career, Darren acted, sang and built up a successful behind-the-scenes career as a television director. But to young movie fans of the late ...
James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy in the hit film "Gidget," died Monday at 88.
James Darren, beloved 'Gidget' star and versatile entertainer, leaves behind a legacy spanning acting, singing, and directing.
Former teen heartthrob James Darren died on Monday in his sleep at a hospital in Los Angeles. He was 88 years old.
Former teen heartthrob James Darren died on Monday in his sleep at a hospital in Los Angeles. He was 88 years old.
Actor and singer James Darren, a teen heartthrob in the 1960s, died this week at the age of 88. Tall, dark and handsome, he starred in three of the "Gidget" ...
LOS ANGELES — James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film ...
Actor and singer James Darren, has died in a hospital in Los Angeles on 2 September 2024, at the age of 88.