The character of Gidget, who was modeled after author Frederick Kohner's daughter Kathy, was originally played by Sandra Dee, while her love interest, Moondoggie, was played by James Darren.

Kathy 'Gidget' Kohner Zuckerman lost her Pacific Palisades home after 60 years in the community. But for the surfing pioneer, the aloha spirit prevails.

James Darren, best known for his roles on “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker,” has died at age 88. The actor died peacefully in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 2, ...

James Darren, who went from teen idol status acting in youth-oriented movies like “Gidget” to becoming an actor in TV shows such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “T.J. Hooker” and a ...

James Darren, who became an instant teen idol as the boyish surfer Moondoggie in the "Gidget" movies and went on to a prolific career in TV and music, has died. He was 88.

W hen Hollywood released "Gidget" in 1959 it unleashed one of the first waves of mainstream attention and popularity for surfing in America. All of a sudden, that young teenage girl from Malibu ...

James Darren, known for playing “Moondoggie” in the “Gidget” films and Officer Jim Corrigan on “T.J. Hooker,” has died. He was 88.