Actor James Darren, known for his roles in Gidget and T.J. Hooker, passes away at 88 years old.

At the age of 88, beloved actor, singer, and director James Darren has passed away. He was a familiar face in Hollywood for over six decades, known for his iconic roles in classic films and television shows such as Gidget, The Guns of Navarone, and T.J. Hooker. His son Jim Moret confirmed the news, revealing that Darren peacefully passed away in his sleep on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. It was also shared that Darren had been receiving treatment for heart issues.

Born on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Darren, whose real name was James William Ercolani, made the move to Hollywood in his twenties to pursue his passion for acting. He made his film debut in 1956 in Rumble on the Docks. However, it was his role as the charming surfer Moondoggie in the 1959 film Gidget that catapulted him to fame and made him a heartthrob for the youth of his time. The success of the film led to multiple sequels and gave Darren the opportunity to launch a successful music career.

Throughout the 1960s, Darren's music career flourished, with hits like Goodbye Cruel World and Her Royal Majesty topping the charts and winning over the hearts of his devoted teenage fans. He continued to make appearances in both film and television, with notable roles in The Time Tunnel and The Love Boat. In the 1980s, he once again captured the hearts of a new generation with his role as Officer James Corrigan in the hit series T.J. Hooker, alongside William Shatner.

This news comes as a shock to many, and we will continue to update as more information becomes available. If you have a personal connection to Darren or a fond memory of his work, please feel free to share it with us. We would love to hear from you. You can contact The Agency entertainment team by emailing us or giving us a call. You can also visit our Submit Stuff page to share any photos or videos. Stay up to date by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and don't forget to sign up for our daily push alerts to get the latest entertainment news straight to your device.

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