‘Gidget’ Star Dead at 88

One of the biggest stars of the late 1950s and 1960s surfer movies has passed away.

James Darren, who co-starred opposite Sandra Dee in the “Gidget” franchise that led to a literal wave of this new genre of film, has passed away.

Darren was 88 years old.

He’s Gone

According to Darren’s family, he died in his sleep at a Los Angeles hospital.

His son, Jim Moret, confirmed his death, stating, "It was kind of a surprise to be quite honest with you.

“I mean, we knew that he was not well, but we didn't expect this."

Darren went into the hospital last week for an aortic valve replacement, but he was too weak to have the operation at the time, and sent home.

He was then re-admitted on Sunday, passing away on Monday.

In his later years, Darren was more often behind the camera than in front of it, but he really made his mark in the industry six decades ago in the “Gidget” franchise, which introduced the world to surfer movies.

Darren was pretty successful right out of the gate, landing some decent roles in his very first movies, including Johnny Rico in “The Brothers Rico.”

He then landed the role of Moondoggie in “Gidget,” player her surfer heartthrob.

In addition to reviving that role in the sequels, he also starred in some major hits of the time, such as “All the Young Men,” “The Guns of Navarone,” “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” and countless hit TV shows, such as “SWAT,” “Police Woman,” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

His last major recurring role was playing Officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J. Hooker,” but he also had some decent recurring roles in other shows later in his career, such as “Melrose Place” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”

In the late 1980s, Darren started working behind the scenes as well, directing 17 projects and performing on the soundtracks of 25 projects, including the “Gidget” franchise, JAG, Chooch, and The King of Queens.

Of course, the tributes poured in after he died, but the one I wanted to point out was from Frank Sinatra’s daughter, with Darren serving as her daughter’s godfather.

She wrote, "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."

Rest in peace, James, and thanks for all the great memories.