James Darren (1936-2024) Find a Grave Memorial
James Darren (1936-2024) Find a Grave Memorial,
James Darren Find a Grave, James Darren obituary, James Darren Death and Burial Details, James Darren dies at age 88 on .
James Darren
| Full Name | James William Ercolani |
|---|---|
| Birth | 8 June 1936, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Death | 2 September 2024 (aged 88), Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States |
| Cause of Death | Heart Failure |
| Years Active | 1956–2017 |
| Known For | Actor, Singer and Director |
| Notable Work | Moondoggie in Gidget Tony Newman in The Time Tunnel Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine |
| Spouses | Gloria Terlitsky (Married 1955 and divorced 1958) Evy Norlund (Married 1960) |
| Children | 3, including Jim Moret |
| Burial | Burial Details Unknown |
| Memorial ID | 274296564 |
James darren obituary
James Darren, Actor and Singer, Dies at 88. James Darren, the versatile actor and singer known for his roles in Gidget and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, passed away on September 2, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 88. Darren, born on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, achieved fame with his portrayal of Moondoggie in Gidget (1959) and enjoyed a successful music career with hits like “Goodbye Cruel World.” His career spanned over six decades, including notable roles in television and film. Darren is survived by his wife, Evy Norlund, and his three children. His legacy of charm and talent will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
James darren Cause of Death
His son Jim Moret said the cause of his death, in a hospital, was congestive heart failure.
James Darren: A Life of Music, Film, and Television
Early Life and Growing Up in Philadelphia
James William Ercolani, known to many as James Darren, was born on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia. His roots were deeply Italian, and he grew up in South Philadelphia, an area rich with aspiring talent. Among his neighbors were famous names like Fabian and Frankie Avalon, which undoubtedly influenced his own ambitions. In an interview with the News Press of Fort Myers, Florida, Darren reminisced about his neighborhood, describing it as a place that instilled a sense of possibility and success. He also mentioned that Al Martino and Eddie Fisher were from the same area, adding to the local legacy of accomplished individuals.
A Dream of Acting
Darren’s early dreams were centered around acting. He pursued this passion by studying under the esteemed Stella Adler in New York City for several years. Though he dabbled in singing, he later downplayed his vocal abilities, describing himself as more of a young performer who would occasionally sing at bars and nightclubs with his father.
James Darren Career
Breakthrough with Columbia Pictures
Darren’s career took a significant turn when he was discovered by talent agent and casting director Joyce Selznick. This discovery happened somewhat serendipitously, as Darren and Selznick met on an elevator at the Brill Building. Selznick’s connection led to Darren signing a long-term contract with Columbia Pictures in July 1956. His first film, Rumble on the Docks (1956), was a low-budget “B” movie where he played the lead. His performance was well-received, and he quickly became a fan favorite, receiving more fan mail than many of his contemporaries at the studio.
Rise to Fame
In 1959, Darren gained widespread recognition with his role in the surf film Gidget, where he played Moondoggie. His performance and the title track he sang contributed to the film’s success among teen audiences. This success led to a string of pop hits, including “Goodbye Cruel World,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a gold disc. His musical career also saw him recording in Italian, broadening his appeal in Europe.
Darren continued to appear in various films and television shows throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, including notable roles in The Gene Krupa Story (1959) and The Guns of Navarone (1961). Despite the success, Darren was candid about his frustrations with being typecast in teen idol roles, particularly in sequels like Gidget Goes to Rome (1962).
Transition and New Ventures
In 1963, Darren signed a seven-picture deal with Universal Pictures, which led to roles in films such as The Lively Set (1963) and For Those Who Think Young (1964). His career continued to evolve, with guest appearances on popular TV shows like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and The Time Tunnel, the latter marking his collaboration with producer Irwin Allen.
Later Career and TV Work
The 1970s and 1980s saw Darren focusing on TV guest appearances and hosting Portrait of a Legend, a show featuring interviews with prominent musicians. He also played Officer James Corrigan on T.J. Hooker (1983–1986) and pursued directing opportunities on series like Hunter and Melrose Place. His role as Vic Fontaine on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1998) reintroduced him to a new generation of fans and led to a successful return to music with the album This One’s from the Heart (1999).
James Darren Personal Life and Legacy
Marriages and Family
Darren’s personal life included two marriages. His first marriage was to Gloria Terlitsky in 1955. Despite familial opposition due to religious differences, the couple had a son, James Jr., before divorcing in 1958. Darren’s second marriage was to Evy Norlund, Miss Denmark 1958, with whom he had two sons, Christian and Anthony. His family life was marked by challenges, including his son’s adoption by Gloria’s third husband.
James Darren Final Years and Passing
James Darren passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88 due to heart failure. In the weeks leading up to his death, he had been dealing with complications related to his aortic valve. Despite these health issues, Darren’s legacy lives on through his extensive work in film, television, and music, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
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FAQs about James Darren
Q: When was James Darren born?
A: James Darren was born on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia.
Q: What was James Darren’s first major film role?
A: His first major film role was in Rumble on the Docks (1956), where he played the lead.
Q: Which film made James Darren a teen idol?
A: Gidget (1959) established Darren as a teen idol, particularly with his role as Moondoggie and the title track he sang.
Q: Did James Darren continue singing after his early successes?
A: Yes, Darren continued his music career with hits like “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty,” and later returned to singing with his role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Q: What TV series did James Darren star in during the 1960s?
A: Darren starred in The Time Tunnel (1966–1967) as Tony Newman, and appeared in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.
Q: When did James Darren pass away?
A: James Darren passed away on September 2, 2024, due to heart failure.
Q: How many times did James Darren play the character Moondoggie?
A: James Darren played Moondoggie three times: in Gidget (1959), Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961), and Gidget Goes to Rome (1962).
Q: What were some of James Darren’s notable TV roles?
A: Besides his role as Vic Fontaine on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Darren appeared in The Time Tunnel, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and T.J. Hooker.
Q: Did James Darren receive any awards for his music?
A: Yes, his hit single “Goodbye Cruel World” earned a gold disc after selling over a million copies.
Q: What was James Darren’s relationship with Frank Sinatra?
A: James Darren was a close friend of Frank Sinatra, and his singing style was often compared to Sinatra’s.
Q: Which films featured James Darren in a supporting role?
A: Darren had supporting roles in The Guns of Navarone (1961) and Diamond Head (1962).
Q: How long did James Darren’s contract with Columbia Pictures last?
A: Darren signed a seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures, which he completed in 1963.
Q: What was James Darren’s involvement in animation?
A: Darren did voice-over work for Hanna-Barbera, including voicing Yogi Bear in Hey There, It’s Yogi Bear! (1964).
James Darren (1936-2024) Find a Grave Memorial