James Darren, the beloved actor who charmed generations through film, television, and music, has passed away at the age of 88. Best known for his breakout role as Moondoggie in Gidget and later as Jim Corrigan in T.J. Hooker, Darren left behind a legacy shaped by talent, charisma, and decades of unforgettable performances. According to reports, he died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Though the exact cause remains unknown, his son shared that Darren had been struggling with heart issues and was considered too weak to undergo a planned aortic valve replacement. Even so, his family held onto hope — because, as his son Jim said, “he was always cool.”

His life in the spotlight began in the late 1950s, when he captivated audiences with his role in Gidget, a movie that would catapult him into teen-idol fame. He reprised the role in two sequels and later expanded his career into music, performing the film’s theme song and releasing albums that further cemented his popularity. Darren’s versatility didn’t end there — he became a familiar face on television, appearing in 66 episodes of T.J. Hooker and later bringing charm and depth to his role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Behind the camera, he directed episodes of iconic series like Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The A-Team. His impact on entertainment was profound, lasting, and beloved.