Nancy Sinatra, William Shatner & Other Stars React to Actor James Darren’s Death
American television and film actor James William Ercolani, known by his stage name James Darren, has died at the age of 88. During the late 1950s and ’60s, Darren had notable starring and supporting roles in films like Gidget (1959) and its sequels, along with The Gene Krupa Story (1959), All the Young Men (1960), The Guns of Navarone (1961), and Diamond Head (1962). In TV he was best known for his roles on T.J. Hooker, sci-fi hits The Time Tunnel and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and guest starred on many shows like Fantasy Island and Charlie’s Angels. He also had a brief singing career and released singles “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Gidget.”
Hollywood stars and friends have been weighing in all day, mourning the late star, including William Shatner, who wrote: “Jimmy Darren; I worked with him for several years and then we’d see each other on occasion. What a wonderful man – so talented; so loving. I had the best time with him. The world is less because of his loss.”
Scroll below to see what other stars have said.
Nancy Sinatra
“One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ,” Nancy Sinatra shared. “Wishing him a fast and beautiful journey through the Universe and beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony and Jimmy, Jr. 
#JamesDarren”
Paul Petersen
“I was both a friend and a fan of James Darren, even reprising his Moondoggie role in a Gidget movie … oh so long ago,” Paul Petersen of The Donna Reed Show shared. “Our singing days intersected at Colpix Records along with Shelley Fabares and the Teenage Triangle albums.”
Heather Locklear
The T.J. Hooker costar shared: “One of my favorite people. We would always laugh so hard together. Rest in peace my dear friend 😇❤️”
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Bill Mumy
The Lost in Space actor posted a sweet photo of him, Tony Dow and Jimmy, stating, “R.I.P. Jimmy Darren. Here with the late great Tony Dow. Good men. I’m the last man standing too often. Hang tough. 
“
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60s Sci-Fi Favorites
March 2020
Do you remember all the great Sci-Fi TV shows of the ’60s?
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