James Darren, Teen Idol Actor in ‘Gidget,’ Singer and Director, Dies at 88

Beloved actor, singer, and director James Darren has died at the age of 88. A publicist said he passed away on Monday while sleeping peacefully at a Los Angeles hospital.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, James Darren was much known as a teen idol. He appeared in the hit film “Gidget” as Moondoggie, a good-looking surfer boy, and captured hearts with this role as he turned the actor into a heartthrob for many young fans.

Not only did he act, but Darren was also a singer of great talent. He had some big-selling singles, including “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” which made the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.

Besides his movie and music careers, Darren enjoyed a fruitful life in television. He appeared in series such as “The Time Tunnel” and “T.J. Hooker.” Eventually, he turned into a director for several hit TV series like “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place”. James Darren’s survivors include his wife, Evy, and three sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren.

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