James Darren

American actor, singer (1936–2024)

James William Ercolani (June 8, 1936 – September 2, 2024), known by his stage name James Darren, was an American television and movie actor, television director, and singer. He was known for his roles as Moondoggie in Gidget, Tony Newman in The Time Tunnel, and as Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.[1] One of Darren's successful top ten songs was "Angel Face," ca. 1960.

James Darren
Darren in 2015
Born
James William Ercolani

(1936-06-08)June 8, 1936
DiedSeptember 2, 2024(2024-09-02) (aged 88)
Cause of deathHeart failure
Years active1956–2024
Known forActor, singer, director
Notable work
Spouses
  • Gloria Terlitsky
    (m. 1955; div. 1958)
  • Evy Norlund
    (m. 1960)
Children3, including Jim Moret

Darren was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[2]

Darren died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California on September 2, 2024 at the age of 88.[3] The cause of death was heart failure caused by aortic valve problems.[4][5]

References

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  1. Adelson, Suzanne (December 5, 1983). "Goodbye Gidget, Hello Heather: James Darren Catches a New Wave of Fans on T.J. Hooker". People. 20 (23). Archived from the original on April 26, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  2. Lisanti, Thomas (August 24, 2012). Hollywood Surf and Beach Movies: The First Wave, 1959–1969. McFarland. pp. 362–. ISBN 978-1-4766-0142-7.
  3. Barnes, Mike (September 2, 2024). "James Darren, 'Gidget' Surfer and Cop on 'T.J. Hooker,' Dies at 88". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  4. "'T.J. Hooker' Star James Darren Dead At 88". TMZ. September 2, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  5. Dudding, Will (September 3, 2024). "James Darren, Actor, Singer and 'Gidget' Heartthrob, Dies at 88". The New York Times. Retrieved September 3, 2024.

Other websites

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  Media related to James Darren at Wikimedia Commons