‘TJ Hooker’ star James Darren has died at the age of 88

James Darrenfamed for his work on films like “Gidget” and TV shows like “TJ Hooker” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” is dead.

The veteran actor died peacefully in his sleep on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Jim Moretconfirmed to TMZ.

The cause of death is unclear, but James’ son says his famous father had heart problems and was treated in the hospital’s cardiac unit. We’re told James initially went to hospital for an aortic valve replacement, but he was deemed too weak to undergo the procedure and was sent home… only to be taken back to hospital.

James became a teen idol when he played a surfer known as Moondoggie in 1959’s ‘Gidget’ and its two sequels… ‘Gidget Goes Hawaiian’ and ‘Gidget Goes to Rome’.

On TV, James had a recurring role on “TJ Hooker” as police officer Jim Corrigan… appearing in 66 episodes over four seasons.

James also had a recurring appearance on ‘Deep Space Nine’… playing holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine in the late 1990s TV series.

In addition to acting, James enjoyed a successful career as a singer… and also directed a variety of TV episodes on shows such as “Melrose Place”, “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “The A-Team”. others.

James sang the theme song for “Gidget” and sang another song in the film… and in 1961 he reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts with “Goodbye Cruel World.”

He is survived by his 3 sons and 5 grandchildren.

James was 88.