Beloved Actor James Darren, Known for “T.J. Hooker,” Dies at 88

James Darren, the beloved actor known for his roles in “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88. The news of his death was confirmed by his son, Jim Moret, a correspondent for “Inside Edition.” According to Moret, Darren was scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery, but doctors deemed him too weak to undergo the procedure.

Darren had a remarkable career in Hollywood, not only as an actor but also as a singer and director. He directed episodes of popular TV shows such as “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Melrose Place,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Hunter.” His directing stint lasted for about two years and showcased his versatility behind the camera.

In the 1950s, Darren received his big break when he landed the role of Moondoggie, a surfer boy, in the hit film “Gidget.” This role catapulted him to fame and set the stage for his future success. However, it was his portrayal of Officer Jim Corrigan in the television cop show “T.J. Hooker” in the 1980s that became one of the most significant roles of his career. He appeared as a series regular for four seasons and also made guest star appearances on other popular shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “The Love Boat,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Fantasy Island.”

Darren’s talent extended beyond acting, as he also had a recording contract during his career. He released two hit singles, “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” both of which reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Goodbye Cruel World” even appeared on the soundtrack of Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, “The Fabelmans,” released in 2022, highlighting the enduring popularity of Darren’s music.

Throughout his life, Darren remained a staple on television, with notable roles in shows like “The Time Tunnel” and several appearances in films produced by Columbia Studios. His final movie role was in 2017’s “Lucky,” directed by John Carroll Lynch.

Born James Ercolani in 1936, Darren grew up in South Philadelphia before being discovered by a talent scout and signed to Columbia Pictures in New York City. He was married twice, first to Gloria, with whom he had a son named Moret, and later to Danish model Evy Norlund, with whom he had two sons: Christian and Anthony. Darren was also the godfather of Nancy Sinatra’s daughter, A.J. Lambert, and the close friendship between Darren and Sinatra was evident in her heartfelt tribute to him on social media.

Darren’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, as he left behind a remarkable legacy of talent and versatility. His contributions as an actor, singer, and director will be remembered and cherished by fans for years to come.