Actor who portrayed the surfer Gidget and Vic Fontaine in "Star Trek" passes away at 88.

James Darren, Renowned Actor and Singer, Dies at 88

James Darren, the beloved former teen idol and pop singer celebrated for his roles in iconic films and TV series such as "Gidget," "Star Trek," and "T.J. Hooker," passed away on Monday, September 2, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He was 88 years old.

Darren died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. His son, Jim Moret, shared that Darren was unable to undergo an aortic valve replacement surgery due to his weakened condition.

“He was a good man. He was very talented,” Moret told Variety. “He was forever young.”

Darren's rise to fame began in 1959 when he portrayed the surfer Moondoggie in the teen classic "Gidget," which also starred Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson. He sang the title track for the film and appeared in its sequels, including "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" and "Gidget Goes to Rome."

In the 1980s, Darren became a familiar face on the series "T.J. Hooker," playing Officer Jim Corrigan alongside William Shatner and Heather Locklear. He later gained recognition for his role as Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."

His extensive filmography includes notable works such as "The Guns of Navarone," "Venus in Furs," "The Gene Krupa Story," "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," "Melrose Place," "All the Young Men," "Beverly Hills 90210," and "Because They’re Young."

In addition to acting, Darren was an accomplished singer, releasing over a dozen albums and earning a gold record for "Goodbye Cruel World" in the 1960s. He often showcased his vocal talents in his acting roles, performing standards like "Come Fly With Me" and "Let’s Fall in Love."

Darren is survived by his wife, sons, and five grandchildren, along with other cherished family members.