”T.J. Hooker’ actor James Darren dies aged 88 – rest in peace!!!

James Darren, the beloved actor known for his roles in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at the age of 88. According to TMZ, Darren died peacefully in his sleep on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

While the exact cause of death is not yet confirmed, Darren’s son, Jim Moret, revealed that his father had been battling heart issues. Darren had initially sought treatment for an aortic valve replacement but was considered too weak for surgery. After being sent home, he later returned to the hospital. “I always believed he would pull through because he was just so cool. He was always cool,” Moret shared.

Darren first rose to fame as Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget, a role he reprised in its sequels. He also became a familiar face on TV, starring in 66 episodes of T.J. Hooker as Officer Jim Corrigan.

In addition to his acting career, Darren was a talented singer, performing the theme song for Gidget. Later in his career, he transitioned into directing, working on hit shows such as Melrose Place and Beverly Hills, 90210.