James Darren, actor and singer from «Gidget», passed away in Los Angeles
3 september 2024 в 19:13
Actor, director, and singer James Darren, best known for his role as Moondoggie in the 1959 film «Gidget», - passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The artist passed away in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his son Jim Moret, a correspondent for Inside Edition, told The Hollywood Reporter. Darren was scheduled to undergo a procedure to replace his aortic valve, but he was deemed too weak for the surgery.
«I always thought he would survive because he was so cool. He was always cool», - Moret, the son of Warren and Gloria Terlitsky, told the publication.
Nancy Sinatra shared two images on Instagram — one of her daughter’s baptism and another of her and Darren together: «One of my dearest, closest friends in the world, throughout my entire life, has passed away. The godfather of my daughter, AJ Lambert. I wish him a swift and beautiful journey through the Universe and beyond. Swift journey, dear Jimmy. My heart is breaking, but full of love for Evie, Christian, Anthony, and Jimmy Jr».
In response to Sinatra’s praise, Moret replied on X: «Nancy, my father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words».
Darren, born James Ercolani, studied under legendary acting coach Stella Adler in New York. He then signed a contract with Columbia Pictures and made his film debut in the 1956 drama «Rumble on the Docks», - according to his website.
His breakthrough role came in the 1959 film «Gidget», - where he played surfer Moondoggie, a role he reprised in the subsequent sequels «Gidget Goes Hawaiian» (1961) and «Gidget Goes to Rome» (1963).
In addition to his acting career, Darren also made a name for himself as a singer in the mid-1960s. He performed the title track for «Gidget», - and his success led to recording and releasing more songs, including his biggest hit of 1961, «Goodbye Cruel World», - which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
He continued to work in Hollywood television with popular series such as the 1966 sci-fi show «The Time Tunnel» and the 80s detective drama «T.J. Hooker» alongside William Shatner.
«Jimmy Darren; I worked with him for several years, and then we would see each other from time to time», - Shatner reflected on X after news of Darren’s death. «What a wonderful man — so talented, so loving. I had a great time with him. The world is a little smaller because of his passing».
After decades of television work, he transitioned to directing television shows, working on series such as «Melrose Place» and «Beverly Hills 90210» in the 1990s and early 2000s.
He is survived by his wife Evie, sons Moret, Christian Darren, and Anthony Darren, and five grandchildren
The artist passed away in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his son Jim Moret, a correspondent for Inside Edition, told The Hollywood Reporter. Darren was scheduled to undergo a procedure to replace his aortic valve, but he was deemed too weak for the surgery.
«I always thought he would survive because he was so cool. He was always cool», - Moret, the son of Warren and Gloria Terlitsky, told the publication.
Nancy Sinatra shared two images on Instagram — one of her daughter’s baptism and another of her and Darren together: «One of my dearest, closest friends in the world, throughout my entire life, has passed away. The godfather of my daughter, AJ Lambert. I wish him a swift and beautiful journey through the Universe and beyond. Swift journey, dear Jimmy. My heart is breaking, but full of love for Evie, Christian, Anthony, and Jimmy Jr».
In response to Sinatra’s praise, Moret replied on X: «Nancy, my father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words».
Darren, born James Ercolani, studied under legendary acting coach Stella Adler in New York. He then signed a contract with Columbia Pictures and made his film debut in the 1956 drama «Rumble on the Docks», - according to his website.
His breakthrough role came in the 1959 film «Gidget», - where he played surfer Moondoggie, a role he reprised in the subsequent sequels «Gidget Goes Hawaiian» (1961) and «Gidget Goes to Rome» (1963).
In addition to his acting career, Darren also made a name for himself as a singer in the mid-1960s. He performed the title track for «Gidget», - and his success led to recording and releasing more songs, including his biggest hit of 1961, «Goodbye Cruel World», - which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
He continued to work in Hollywood television with popular series such as the 1966 sci-fi show «The Time Tunnel» and the 80s detective drama «T.J. Hooker» alongside William Shatner.
«Jimmy Darren; I worked with him for several years, and then we would see each other from time to time», - Shatner reflected on X after news of Darren’s death. «What a wonderful man — so talented, so loving. I had a great time with him. The world is a little smaller because of his passing».
After decades of television work, he transitioned to directing television shows, working on series such as «Melrose Place» and «Beverly Hills 90210» in the 1990s and early 2000s.
He is survived by his wife Evie, sons Moret, Christian Darren, and Anthony Darren, and five grandchildren
© Puhova Marina
