James Darren, 'Gidget' teen idol, singer and director, dies at 88

James Darren, known for "Gidget" and "TJ Hooker," has died at 88. The actor and singer became a teenage heartthrob with his role as the summer crush in the 1959 movie "Gidget," which ignited the surfer craze. David Muir looks back on his life.

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[poorthing]

Wow...he sure DID do it all.
Classially handsome, acting,
singing effortlessly.
Long married to a Miss Denmark, a Kim Novak look-alike,
Evy Norlund, now 86.
Looks like he had a blessed life, a long life, (88)
with talent, good looks, a loving family & friends.
I don't think there was ever scandal or negative gossip about this man.

[maureenhopkins]

I’m 61 and had such a wicked crush on him! I loved the Gidget movies!

[rozchristopherson]

I’m 63, I remember him in the Gidget movies and series back when I was a child. He was so handsome. RIP ❤🙏

[jucadvgv]

loved him. he was absolutely a heart throb to my littlee child's swooning heart.

[pamelacossey]

A wonderful tribute to James Darren! ❤

[sheilagadde]

Condolences, he was so handsome and talented.

[barbarafagan]

Rip JAMES DARREN. Prayers for the family

[sarahbeets]

We of a certain age r seeing our teen era stars crossing over. Blessings family and friends. 💕 🤗 😢 🙏 🙏 🙏 Memories

[stacystevens]

RIP Mr. Darren. 🙏😭 Thank you for all the decades of entertainment you provided to the world. ❤

[Hoppy]

I love his song “Goodbye Cruel World” from 1961.

[just_peachy]

I remember the Gidget movies, and I forgot he was in TJ Hooker. He was so handsome, and a good actor. RIP James Darren. ❤️🙏🏼

[sofiacristinak.-cdnk]

I was pleasantly surprised to see him again in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine after decades, I enjoyed his Star Trek episodes...aside from being very gifted he struck me as a kind man... RIP James Darren

[MichaelConroy-os]

Wha? No mention of The Time Tunnel? One of my all-time faves.🤗

[beatlesbarnes]

RIP Mr. Darren. You were my teenage heart throb after seeing you in "Gidget". You and Sandra Dee had great chemistry in one of my favorite movies.❤

[suzanhunt]

I’m getting old. He was one of my teenage idols. 😢

[Carol-djgm]

My landlord graduated with him. She always talked very fond him and what nice person he was.

[barbarae.demullingbriggs]

He had such a smooth voice! Remember watching Gidget when younger and fell in love with ‘Moon Dog’❤ RIP

[allibelle]

He was absolutely amazing . One of my crushes from when I was little so sad and heartbroken to hear about his passing. He was one of the greats may he rest in peace

[Musicloveandanimals]

RIP ❤❤❤
I'm only 47 but I do remember watching the movie Gidget.

[rosemarycarrasquillo]

RIP Moondoggy! Thank you for the teen movies that I still watch. The memories were innocent.❤❤❤❤❤ Yes you did it all. You will be truly miss.