James Darren, ‘Gidget’ and ‘T.J. Hooker’ star, dead at 88

James Darren, best known for his roles on “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker,” has died at age 88.

The actor died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 2, according to a statement on his website.

Darren’s son, “Inside Edition” correspondent Jim Moret, told The Hollywood Reporter that his father was set to undergo an aortic valve replacement surgery, however doctors said he was too weak to have it.

“I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool,” Moret told the outlet.

Darren’s glittering Hollywood career saw him act and sing. He even dabbled in directing episodes of TV shows, including series such as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Melrose Place.”

His directing stint lasted around two years, during which he worked on other shows including, “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Hunter.”

In the 1950s, Darren got his big break after landing the role of Moondoggie — a surfer boy in the hit 1959 film “Gidget.”

In the 1980s, Darren secured the role of Officer Jim Corrigan on the television cop show “T.J. Hooker” — which became one of the most successful roles of his career.

Over the course of his career, Darren’s onscreen success led him to have a recording contract — as with many actors back in the day.

He went on to release two smash singles, “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” which both reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What’s more, “Goodbye Cruel World” stood the test of time as it appeared in the film soundtrack to Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, “The Fabelmans,” released in 2022.

Darren remained a staple on TV, appearing as the lead on the sci-fi show “The Time Tunnel” in the late 1960s. He also secured several guest star appearances on shows including “The Love Boat,” “Hawaii Five-O” and “Fantasy Island.”

He became a series regular for four seasons of the William Shatner-starrer “T.J. Hooker” in the 1980s. Darren also appeared in several episodes of “Star Trek, Deep Space Nine.”

Darren also went on to star in several films helmed by Columbia Studios, including “The Brothers Rico,” “Operation Meatball” and “The Guns of Navarone.”

His final movie role was in 2017’s “Lucky,” directed by John Carroll Lynch.

Born James Ercolani in 1936, the actor grew up in South Philadelphia before getting his big break in new York City in 1958.

Shortly after being noticed by a talent scout, Darren was signed to Columbia Pictures.

He had met his first wife, Gloria, in 1955. The pair welcomed son Moret — a former CNN anchorman.

After the pair got divorced, Darren married Danish model Evy Norlund — a Miss Universe contestant at the time. They had two sons: Christian and Anthony.

Darren was also the godfather of Nancy Sinatra’s daughter A.J. Lambert.

Sinatra shared a loving tribute to Darren on X, writing, “One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ.”

“Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr,” she added.

“Nancy My father loved you. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words,” Moret responded to the post.