James Darren, Former Teen Idol Actor From 'gidget' Films, Dies Aged 88

there's no such thing as the next best thing to love no substitute or faim thereof beloved actor James Darren known for his roles in gigit and TJ hooker has passed away at the age of 88 after being hospitalized for heart rated issues the former Teen Idol best remembered for his portrayal of surfer mondy in the gig films died PE peacefully in his sleep on Monday August 2nd at Cedar siai Medical Center in Los Angeles his passing was confirmed by his son Jim morett a correspondent for Inside Edition Darren had recently been admitted to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement but was considered too weak to undergo the procedure though he was briefly sent home he had to return to the hospital I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool he was always cool Moret shared in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter singer Nancy Sinatra a close friend also confirmed Darren's passing on social media one of my dearest closest friends in all the world of all my life has passed away she wrote on Instagram sharing cherished memories and photos including one from her daughter's baptism where Darren was The Godfather born on June 8th 1936 in Philadelphia Darren studied acting under the renowned Stella Adler regularly commuting to to New York for his lessons although he was not a strong swimmer and had no surfing experience he landed the iconic role of moond doggy in the gig movies appearing alongside Sandra d Deborah Wall-E and Cindy Carroll in addition to his acting career Darren was also a talented director and singer he directed episodes of popular television shows like Melrose Place Beverly Hills 921 and Silk Stockings as a singer Darren achieved significant success with hits such as Goodbye cruel world which reached numb three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 and her royal Majesty which also charted in the top 10 in the late 1990s he revived his singing career with his role as the holographic Lounge singer Vic Fontaine on Star Trek Deep Space 9 Darren was married twice first to his childhood sweetheart Gloria turitz and later to Evie Norland a former Miss Denmark with whom he remained until his death he is survived by his wife his sons Christian and Anthony grandchildren Amanda Cari Matthew Natalie and Nicholas and his goddaughter AJ Lambert may his soul rest in peace [Music]