Remembering the Iconic Career of James Darren
When you think about the early days of television and film, it’s hard not to mention James Darren. His son, Jim Moret, who was around 9 years old at the time, recalls with fondness how his father’s career took off. “My dad was on The Flintstones back in 1965,” Jim tells Closer. “He even sang a couple of songs! It was like having a dad in the Beatles. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.”
Jim’s admiration for his father only grew as James continued to shine in various roles. One standout moment came when James starred in Irwin Allen’s 1966 sci-fi series, The Time Tunnel. It was during this period that Jim began to fully grasp the magnitude of his father’s fame. “Being in sixth grade and having your dad starring in a primetime show? That’s pretty much like being a rock star!” Jim exclaims with a smile.
From Surfer to Star: James Darren's Rise to Fame
James Darren’s journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. He first captured the hearts of audiences playing the surfing-singing heartthrob Moondoggie in three Gidget movies. His charm and talent didn’t stop there. He went on to play a WWII soldier in the critically acclaimed 1961 film, The Guns of Navarone, which won a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Despite his numerous accolades, Jim, now 67 and a broadcast journalist, cherishes the simpler moments he shared with his father after his parents’ divorce when Jim was just 2 years old.
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“We’d run errands in Hollywood, stop by the hardware store, and grab Yoo-hoos at this place on Fountain. It might sound boring, but it was our special time together. Just the two of us, bonding over the little things,” Jim reminisces. These small, everyday experiences meant the world to him.
Life's Adventures with a Humorous Twist
Life with James wasn’t all about errands and routine. There were plenty of wild, exciting moments too, thanks to his father’s incredible sense of humor and love for adventure. “He had this dune buggy, man! The coolest one you’d ever seen. It was so loud and so much fun,” Jim recalls with enthusiasm. “Dad always said he was just a kid from South Philly who made it big, but he had such simple tastes. I always picture him in jeans and a pullover shirt—nothing fancy, just pure authenticity.”
A Career Built on Adaptability and Artistic Growth
Jim Moret admired his father’s relentless drive to evolve as an artist. From being a teen idol to starring in the 1980s cop drama T.J. Hooker and directing episodes of popular TV shows like The A-Team and Melrose Place, James never stopped pushing boundaries. “He always said, ‘Never count on anything to last forever because it won’t,’” Jim reflects. “That’s why he became a master of reinvention.”
Through it all, James remained steadfast in his love for his fans and family. “After he passed, I received hundreds of messages,” Jim shares. “It proved that he never let his fans down. He brought this innocent joy, and I think that joy is his legacy. It might sound cliché, but it’s what I’m most proud of.”
