James Darren, T.J. Hooker and Deep Space Nine Actor Dies at 88

James Darren, an actor and singer known for his roles on T.J. Hooker and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, passed away at the age of 88, as reported by TVLine.

He passed away on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, with his son Jim Moret describing Darren as follows: “He was a good man. He was very talented. He was forever young.”

Darren initially gained fame as the leading man Moondoggie in the 1959 surf film Gidget and achieved success with the 1961 hit “Goodbye Cruel World.” He went on to appear in films such as The Guns of Navarone and the short-lived ABC sci-fi series The Time Tunnel. Additionally, he made regular guest appearances on programs like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island before joining the cast of the William Shatner police drama T.J. Hooker in Season 2. In the show, Darren portrayed Officer Jim Corrigan and remained a main cast member until the series concluded in 1986.

James Darren's portrayal of Vic Fontaine was a standout feature on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His character, a holographic lounge singer inspired by the Rat Pack era, brought a unique blend of charm and nostalgia to the series. Fontaine was not just a source of entertainment; he also played a significant role in various storylines, offering advice and support to the station’s crew. Darren's performances, complete with classic songs and a charismatic presence, contributed to the character's enduring popularity among fans. His appearances, spanning from 1996 to the series finale in 1999, left a lasting impression and highlighted how holodeck characters could impact the broader narrative of the show.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones.