James Darren, the iconic American actor, singer, and television director, passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88.
Born as James William Ercolani in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1936, Darren’s journey to stardom began when he was discovered by talent agent Joyce Selznick in the 1950s. This chance encounter led to a seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in Hollywood.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up in a working-class Italian-American family, Darren developed an early interest in entertainment. He honed his acting skills under the guidance of renowned drama teacher Stella Adler in New York City, laying the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Darren’s big break came when he was cast in the 1959 film “Gidget,” portraying the role of Jeffrey Matthews, also known as Moondoggie. This role firmly established him as a teen idol and helped launch his successful acting career.
James Darren Net Worth 2024
James Darren Net Worth is $9 million at the time of his death, is a testament to his remarkable career in the entertainment industry that spanned over six decades.
| net worth of james darren | $9 million |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James William Ercolani |
| Date of Birth | June 8, 1936 |
| Date of Death | September 2, 2024 |
| Notable Roles | Moondoggie in “Gidget,” Vic Fontaine in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” Officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J. Hooker” |
Acting Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Darren starred in numerous popular films and television series, showcasing his versatility as an actor:
- “The Gene Krupa Story” (1959): Played Eddie Sirota
- “The Guns of Navarone” (1961): Cast as Private Spyro Pappadimos
- “The Time Tunnel” (1966-1967): Starred as Dr. Tony Newman
- “T.J. Hooker” (1982-1986): Regular role as Officer Jim Corrigan
- “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1998-1999): Recurring role as Vic Fontaine
His portrayal of Moondoggie in the “Gidget” franchise, which included “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961) and “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963), further cemented his status as a teen idol and helped him maintain his popularity throughout the 1960s.
Music Career
Alongside his acting career, Darren also found success as a singer. He released his debut studio album “James Darren No. 1” in 1960, which spawned hit singles like “Goodbye Cruel World” and “Her Royal Majesty.” His music career spanned nearly two decades, with his last single being released in 1977.
Change to Television
As times changed, Darren transitioned to television, appearing regularly on popular shows such as “The Time Tunnel” and “T.J. Hooker.” His role as Officer Jim Corrigan in “T.J. Hooker,” opposite William Shatner, further solidified his status as a household name.
Legacy and Later Career
Despite his occasional work in television after his series wrapped up, Darren was able to introduce himself to a new generation, including many unfamiliar with his music, when he appeared on the 1990s favorite “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” as holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine.
Darren’s net worth of $9 million is a testament to his enduring legacy and success in the entertainment industry. His ability to adapt and evolve, recreating himself in his work, has been a key part of how he maintained his wealth and popularity over the years.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Outside of his professional accomplishments, James Darren has participated in several charitable works, proving his dedication to giving back to the community. He was first married to Evy Norlund in 1960, and the couple enjoyed a wonderful romance that lasted for more than 60 years. Together, they had three children and several grandchildren, who were among the most valuable parts of Darren’s rich existence.
James Darren Wikipedia
| Birth Name | James William Ercolani |
| Stage Name | James Darren |
| Born | June 8, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | September 2, 2024 (at age 88) in Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, television director |
| Years Active | 1956 – 2024 |
| Spouse(s) | Evy Norlund (1960 – 2024) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Mastery Charter School Thomas Campus |
| Notable Works | – The Guns of Navarone (film, 1961) – Gidget (film series, 1959-1963) – The Time Tunnel (TV series, 1966-1967) – T.J. Hooker (TV series, 1982-1986) – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV series, 1998-1999) |
| Musical Genres | Pop |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Colpix, Warner Bros., Private Stock |
| Notable Singles | – “Gidget” (1959) – “Angel Face” (1959) – “Goodbye Cruel World” (1961, US #3) – “Her Royal Majesty” (1962, US #6) – “Conscience” (1962, US #11) – “Mary’s Little Lamb” (1962, US #39) – “All” (1967, US #35) – “You Take My Heart Away” (1977) |
| Notable Albums | – James Darren No. 1 (1960, reissued 2004) – Sings the Movies (Gidget Goes Hawaiian) (1961) – Love Among the Young (1962, reissued 2004) – Sings for All Sizes (1962) – Bye Bye Birdie (1963, with The Marcels, Paul Petersen, & Shelley Fabares) – Teen-Age Triangle (1963, with Shelley Fabares & Paul Petersen) – More Teen-Age Triangle (1964, with Paul Petersen & Shelley Fabares) – All (1967, reissued 2005) – Mammy Blue (1971) – Love Songs from the Movies (1972) – The Best of James Darren (1994) – This One’s From the Heart (1999) – Because of You (2001) |
James Darren Star Trek
James Darren, born James William Ercolani on June 8, 1936, was an American actor, singer, and director. He is best known for his role as Vic Fontaine, a holographic lounge singer in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, appearing in seven episodes during its final seasons. Darren’s career spanned decades, starting with his breakout role as Moondoggie in Gidget (1959). He passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88.
James Darren Height
James Darren Height is reported to be approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters).
FAQs on James Darren ds9
Who is James Darren?
James Darren was an American actor, singer, and television director known for his roles in “Gidget” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
how much is james darren worth
james darren worth was $9 million at the time of his death.
What did James Darren do for a living?
James Darren worked as an actor, singer, and television director throughout his career in the entertainment industry.
How old was James Darren when he died?
James Darren was 88 years old at the time of his death in 2024.
What role did James Darren play in “Star Trek”?
James Darren played the holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
What was James Darren’s biggest hit?
James Darren’s biggest hit was “Goodbye Cruel World,” which reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961.
When was James Darren born?
James Darren was born on June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
How tall was James Darren?
James Darren was 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall.
conclusion
In conclusion, James Darren’s net worth of $9 million is a testament to his remarkable career in the entertainment industry. His ability to adapt and evolve, combined with his success as an actor, singer, and television director, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Darren’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his impact on the industry will never be forgotten.