“T.J. Hooker” star and teen idol James Darren passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 2, at the age of 88. His son, Jim Moret, recently confirmed the sad news to a media outlet and explained what happened.
James Darren at Creation Entertainment’s Official Star Trek Convention in Burlingame, California on December 13, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
According to Jim, the beloved actor, known for playing the charismatic dreamboat surfer in the popular classic “Gidget,” in which he starred alongside famous late actress Sandra Dee, died while he was asleep in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Sandra Dee and James Darren in a scene from “Gidget” in 1959. | Source: Getty Images
The late talent’s son revealed further that his dad had been admitted to the hospital the week prior (the week of August 26) to undergo an aortic valve replacement.
However, James was unfortunately unable to do so as a result of not having enough strength to get the procedure done at that time.
James Darren at the 2nd Annual Borgnine Movie Star Gala Honoring Actor Joe Mantegna in Studio City, California on February 1, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The day before his passing (Sunday, September 1), James was rushed back to the hospital. Speaking about how his father’s passing came as a shock to the family, Jim disclosed, “It was kind of a surprise to be quite honest with you. I mean, we knew that he was not well, but we didn’t expect this.”
James Darren speaking at the 13th Annual Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 1, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Discussing his dad’s final moments, the grieving son, who is a chief correspondent for “Inside Edition,” went on to explain that before he died, James was able to express the love he had for his family.
The “Gidget Goes to Rome” actor, who contributed significantly to popularizing the 1960s surfing craze, was not in any pain when he passed away peacefully.
Struggling to grapple with the loss of his beloved father, Jim expressed, “I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool.” His words reflect the incredible legacy that James leaves behind from his time as a singer and teen idol.