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- ‘T.J. Hooker’ Star James Darren Dead at 88 (newsbreak.com)
James Darren, a beloved figure in entertainment known for his roles in “Gidget” and TV series such as “T.J. Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” has passed away.
He died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Monday, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret, to TMZ. The exact cause of death has not been determined, but Darren had been experiencing heart problems and had been receiving treatment in the hospital’s cardiac unit.
He had been evaluated for an aortic valve replacement but was not strong enough for the procedure and had to be readmitted to the hospital after being sent home.
Darren first gained widespread popularity as the surfer Moondoggie in the 1959 film “Gidget” and its sequels “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gidget Goes to Rome.” On television, he was known for his role as police officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J.
Hooker,” where he appeared in 66 episodes. Darren also made a memorable impact as the holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine in “Deep Space Nine” in the late 1990s.
Beyond acting, Darren enjoyed a successful career as a singer. He not only sang the theme song for “Gidget” but also charted on Billboard in 1961 with the hit “Goodbye Cruel World,” which reached No.
3. His talents extended to directing, where he helmed episodes of various TV shows including “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “The A-Team.”
Darren is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren. He was 88 years old at the time of his passing.
RIP.
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- ‘T.J. Hooker’ Star James Darren Dead at 88 (newsbreak.com)