Frank Sinatra’s oldest daughter, Nancy Sinatra took to X to remember the late actor James Darren, who died of congestive heart failure at 88. She called him “one of my dearest and closest friends in the entire world, in my entire life” and accompanied the note with a photo compilation of the actor.
Darren was known for starring in TV classics like Melrose Place, Fantasy Island, and T.J. Hooker back in the day, plus his recent act in the 2017 series, Happy. Sinatra mentioned that he was godfather to her daughter AJ, and wished him a quick and beautiful journey in the great beyond.
James Darren’s impressive Hollywood career
Born James William Ercolani, Darren made his first film as a 20-year-old in 1956, where he played the lead in the Sam Katzman-produced movie Rumble On The Docks. His career took off ever since as he starred in a few more productions and even did some singing along the way.
RELATED: Nancy Sinatra Jabs At Movie Casting For Late Father’s Highly Anticipated Biopic
He then featured on a lot of TV series such as Love Boat and Fantasy Island, and by the ‘70s became a TV host of Portrait Of A Legend. His directing career also thrived as he is credited for a few series, including Renegades, Nowhere Man, Hunter, and Silk Stalkings.
Darren’s relationship with Sinatra
Sinatra led the tributes toward Darren’s death once it was confirmed and extended her support to the rest of his family. Jim Moret, Darren’s son, acknowledged Sinatra’s post and thanked her for her kind and loving words, noting that his late father loved her.
Fans of the late legend also hopped on Sinatra’s touching post to share their thoughts and pay their respects. “I loved James Darren myself from Gidget and other movies. I had a poster of him on my wall growing up,” someone wrote, while another added that the world is now short of such a remarkable talent.