James Darren, the actor known for his roles as a surfer in "Gidget" and a police officer on "T.J. Hooker," has passed away at the age of 88.

 James Darren, the former teen idol and pop singer who starred as the surfer Moondoggie in three "Gidget" movies, as well as in television series like "The Time Tunnel" and "T.J. Hooker," passed away on Monday at the age of 88. 

Darren died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret, a correspondent for Inside Edition. He had been admitted for an aortic valve replacement but was deemed too weak for the surgery and had to return after initially going home. "I always thought he would pull through," Moret said. "He was always cool."

Early in his career, Darren received praise for his roles in "Let No Man Write My Epitaph" (1960) and as Spyros Pappadimos in "The Guns of Navarone" (1961). Despite not knowing how to surf, he portrayed Moondoggie opposite Sandra Dee, Deborah Walley, and Cindy Carol in the "Gidget" series. 

Darren played Dr. Tony Newman, an electronics genius, in the ABC series "The Time Tunnel" (1966-67), and later joined "T.J. Hooker" as Officer Jim Corrigan. He made his directorial debut on "T.J. Hooker" and went on to direct episodes of several shows, including "Hunter," "Silk Stalkings," "Melrose Place," and "Beverly Hills, 90210." 

As a singer, Darren's hits included "Goodbye Cruel World," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, and "Her Royal Majesty" in 1962. In the late '90s, he revived his singing career on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as the holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine, a role he cherished.

James William Ercolani was born on June 8, 1936, in South Philadelphia. Inspired by Eddie Fisher, he pursued a career in singing and acting, studying under Stella Adler in New York. He made his film debut in "Rumble on the Docks" (1956) and gained popularity with his role in the "Gidget" films.

Darren was married to Gloria Terlitsky from 1955 to 1958 and to Evy Norlund from 1960 until his death. He is survived by his wife, his sons Christian, Anthony, and Jim, and several grandchildren. 

Throughout his career, Darren left a lasting impression on fans and fellow performers, including Bruce Springsteen, who once recalled buying Darren's record, "Goodbye Cruel World."