James Darren the acclaimed Teen Idol whose career spanned from youthful films to prominent roles in television music and directing passed away on Monday at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles he was 88 Darren's son Jim Mort shared that despite his father's illness he had the chance to express his love for his family while receiving treatment in the cardiac unit he was a good man he was very talented more reflected he was forever young. James Darren was born in Philadelphia and began his acting studies with Stella ad in New York he was soon signed by Columbia Pictures making his film debut in rumble on the docks he went on to feature in movies such as operation Madball and Gunman's Walk but it was his role as Mund doggy in the 1959 film gigg alongside Sandra d and Cliff Robertson that catapulted him to fame Darren also performed the title track for the film which not only became a hit but also set the stage for his successful music career his single Goodbye cruel world earned a gold record in 1961 and he went on to release at least 14 albums. Darren continued to make significant contributions to film with roles in The Guns of Navarone the gene Kupa story and because they're young although he reprised his moond doggy role in sequels such as gig goes Hawaiian and gig goes to Rome he grew weary of being typ cast and sought New Opportunities do his television career included starring roles in The Time Tunnel and a brief stint in Italy for Jess Franco's Venus infers he later guest starred on various series including Love American Style Fantasy Island and the loveboat Darren was a regular on TJ hooker from 1, 1983 to 1986 and expanded his career into TV directing working on popular series like Beverly Hills 90210 in Melrose Place in 1998 Darren found a new generation of fans with his portrayal of Vic Fontaine the holographic Lounge singer on Star Trek Deep Space 9 he is survived by his wife Eevee his sons Jim Mo Christian Darren an Tony Darren and five grandchildren James Darren's passing marks the end of an era for those who admired his multifaceted career and enduring impact on entertainment