Actor James Darren, best known for his roles in Gidget, T.J. Hooker, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at the age of 88. TMZ reports he died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Monday.
While the cause of death remains unclear, his son, Jim Moret, revealed that Darren had been battling heart issues and had been undergoing treatment for an aortic valve replacement before being deemed too weak for the procedure.
Darren became a teen idol for his role as Moondoggie in Gidget and its sequels. He also had a memorable recurring role in T.J. Hooker and enjoyed a successful career as a singer and director, contributing to shows like Melrose Place and Beverly Hills, 90210. Rest in peace, James Darren.
