Actor James Darren, famous for roles in films like *Gidget* and TV shows such as *T.J. Hooker* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, has passed away at the age of 88.

According to TMZ, James Darren died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Monday.

The exact cause of death is not known yet, but his son, Jim Moret, shared that his father had heart problems and was being treated at Cedars-Sinai’s cardiac unit.

Darren had originally gone to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement but was considered too weak to have the surgery.

He was sent home but had to return to the hospital shortly after.

Jim Moret expressed his thoughts, saying, “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool.”

James Darren became famous as a teen idol when he played the surfer Moondoggie in the 1959 film *Gidget*. He returned to this role in the sequels *Gidget Goes Hawaiian* and *Gidget Goes to Rome*.

He also had a notable role as police officer Jim Corrigan on *T.J. Hooker*, where he appeared in 66 episodes over four seasons.

James Darren wasn’t just an actor; he was also a singer and performed the theme song for *Gidget*. He directed episodes for shows like *Melrose Place*, *Beverly Hills, 90210*, and *The A-Team*, among others.

Rest in peace, James Darren.

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