History of James Darren in Timeline
James Darren, born James William Ercolani, was a multi-talented American entertainer. He rose to fame in the late 1950s as a teen idol with hit songs like "Goodbye Cruel World" and starring roles in popular films like "Gidget". His career extended into television with notable roles in series like "The Time Tunnel", "T.J. Hooker", and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine". Darren's career showcased his versatility as an actor, singer, and director.
June 8, 1936: James Darren's Birth
James William Ercolani, professionally known as James Darren, was born on June 8, 1936.
1953: Relationship with Gloria Terlitsky
James Darren's relationship with Gloria Terlitsky began in 1953.
1955: Marriage to Gloria Terlitsky
In 1955, James Darren married his sweetheart since 1953, Gloria Terlitsky. Their marriage faced opposition from Terlitsky's father due to religious differences, with Terlitsky being Jewish and Darren Catholic.
July 1956: Signing with Columbia and "Rumble on the Docks"
James Darren secured a long-term contract with Columbia Pictures in July 1956 and quickly landed his first film role in "Rumble on the Docks."
1957: Working with Phil Karlson and "The Tijuana Story"
In 1957, James Darren appeared in two films directed by Phil Karlson: "The Brothers Rico" and "The Tijuana Story."
1957: Supporting Roles and "Operation Mad Ball"
James Darren made a guest appearance on the TV series "The Web" and took on a supporting role in the comedy "Operation Mad Ball" in 1957.
1958: Divorce and Birth of Son
James Darren and Gloria Terlitsky divorced in 1958. Their son, James Jr. ("Jimmy"), was born during their marriage. Jimmy was later adopted by Gloria's third husband and became known as journalist and TV commentator Jim Moret.
1958: Western Role in "Gunman's Walk"
James Darren starred alongside Van Heflin and Tab Hunter in the Western film "Gunman's Walk" in 1958.
1958: Marriage to Evy Norlund
Two years after his divorce, in 1958, James Darren married Evy Norlund, who held the title of Miss Denmark in 1958.
1959: Television Appearances and "The Donna Reed Show"
James Darren made notable television appearances in 1959, including guest roles in "The Donna Reed Show" and "The Lineup."
1959: Breakthrough with "Gidget"
James Darren rose to fame in 1959 with his role as Moondoggie in the hit teen film "Gidget," also lending his singing talents to the title track.
1959: Biopic and Musical Performances
James Darren starred in "The Gene Krupa Story" in 1959, a biopic about the renowned drummer, and continued to showcase his musical talents in various projects.
1959: "Gidget" and Musical Debut
James Darren's role as Moondoggie in "Gidget" in 1959 marked his breakthrough, and he also showcased his singing abilities on the film's soundtrack.
1960: Film Appearances and Cameo Role
James Darren appeared in films like "All the Young Men" and made a cameo appearance as himself in the teen film "Because They're Young" in 1960.
1960: Birth of Son, Christian
Around 1960, James Darren and Evy Norlund welcomed their son, Christian.
1960: Diverse Film Roles
In 1960, James Darren showcased his acting range in films such as "All the Young Men," a Korean War film, and "Let No Man Write My Epitaph."
1961: Musical Success with "Goodbye Cruel World"
James Darren achieved significant musical success in 1961 with his hit song "Goodbye Cruel World," which reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1961: Success with "The Guns of Navarone" and "Gidget Goes Hawaiian"
James Darren had a supporting role in the box office hit "The Guns of Navarone" and reprised his role as Moondoggie in "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" in 1961.
1961: Second Appearance on "The Donna Reed Show"
James Darren made a return appearance on "The Donna Reed Show" in 1961, further establishing his presence on television.
1961: Chart-Topping Success and International Recognition
James Darren's music career soared in 1961 with the release of "Goodbye Cruel World," which became a global hit, topping charts and earning him a gold disc.
1962: Final "Gidget" Film and "Diamond Head"
James Darren appeared in his final "Gidget" film, "Gidget Goes to Rome," and starred alongside Charlton Heston in the melodrama "Diamond Head" in 1962.
1962: Continued Success and "Gidget" Sequels
James Darren continued his acting career in 1962 with roles in films like "Diamond Head" alongside Charlton Heston, while also reprising his role in the "Gidget" sequels.
1962: Continued Musical Success
James Darren continued his musical success in 1962 with hits like "Her Royal Majesty" and "Conscience," solidifying his presence in the music industry.
1963: Musical Contribution to "Under the Yum Yum Tree"
James Darren lent his singing voice to the title track of the romantic comedy "Under the Yum Yum Tree" in 1963.
1963: Seven-Picture Deal and "The Lively Set"
James Darren signed a seven-picture deal with Universal Studios in 1963 and starred in his first film under the agreement, "The Lively Set."
1963: Contract Expiration and New Beginnings
James Darren's contract with Columbia expired in 1963, prompting him to seek new opportunities and continue his musical endeavors with Colpix Records.
1964: Voice Acting and "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!"
James Darren ventured into voice acting for Hanna-Barbera, notably lending his voice to Yogi Bear in the animated film "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!" released in 1964.
1964: Reunion with Pamela Tiffin and "For Those Who Think Young"
James Darren reunited with Pamela Tiffin in 1964 for the teen film "For Those Who Think Young," showcasing his versatility in various genres.
1964: Birth of Son, Anthony
Around 1964, James Darren and Evy Norlund had their second son, Anthony.
1965: Signing with Warner Bros. Records
James Darren signed a new recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1965, marking a new chapter in his musical journey.
1966: Lead Role in "The Time Tunnel"
James Darren landed a lead role as impulsive scientist Tony Newman in Irwin Allen's science fiction series "The Time Tunnel," which premiered in 1966.
1966: Starring in "The Time Tunnel"
James Darren landed a lead role as scientist Tony Newman in Irwin Allen's science fiction series "The Time Tunnel" in 1966.
1967: Unsold Pilot and Career Transition
After "The Time Tunnel" ended in 1967, a pilot for a new series starring James Darren, "The Man from the 25th Century," was shot but not picked up.
1967: Top 40 Hit with "All"
James Darren released the single "All" in 1967, which became a Top 40 hit, showcasing his enduring musical appeal.
1967: Conclusion of "The Time Tunnel"
James Darren's sci-fi series "The Time Tunnel" concluded in 1967.
1969: European Film "Venus in Furs"
James Darren took on a role in the European film "Venus in Furs" directed by Jess Franco in 1969.
1971: Reuniting with Irwin Allen in "City Beneath the Sea"
James Darren reunited with director Irwin Allen for the science fiction film "City Beneath the Sea" in 1971.
1975: Television Movie Appearance
James Darren appeared in the television movie "The Lives of Jenny Dolan" in 1975.
1978: Role in "The Boss' Son"
James Darren took on a role in the film "The Boss' Son" in 1978.
1981: Guest Roles in Television Dramas
James Darren made guest appearances in television dramas "Scruples" and "One Day at a Time" in the early 1980s.
1983: Regular Role in "T.J. Hooker"
James Darren secured a regular role as Officer James Corrigan on the police drama series "T.J. Hooker," which premiered in 1983.
1983: Joining "T.J. Hooker"
James Darren joined the cast of the police drama "T.J. Hooker" as Officer James Corrigan in 1983.
1983: Reflections on Career and Life
In 1983, James Darren shared his insights on navigating the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, financial security, and personal fulfillment.
1986: End of "T.J. Hooker" Run
James Darren's time on the television series "T.J. Hooker" came to an end in 1986 after a successful three-season run.
1986: Departure from "T.J. Hooker"
James Darren's time on the television series "T.J. Hooker" came to an end in 1986.
1998: Return to Prominence in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"
James Darren experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1998 with his recurring role as Vic Fontaine in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."
1998: Renewed Recognition for Singing
James Darren's appearances as a holographic crooner in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" brought him renewed recognition for his singing abilities.
1999: Musical Comeback with "This One's from the Heart"
Inspired by his "Deep Space Nine" role, James Darren made a musical comeback in 1999 with the album "This One's from the Heart."
1999: Sinatra-Inspired Album Release
James Darren released the album "This One's from the Heart" in 1999, showcasing his interpretations of classic songs in a style inspired by his friend Frank Sinatra.
2001: Appearance in "Random Acts"
James Darren appeared in the film "Random Acts" in 2001.
2001: Release of "Because of You" Album
James Darren released his album "Because of You" in 2001, showcasing his vocal talents in a style reminiscent of Tony Bennett.
2001: Exploring Tony Bennett's Style
James Darren's 2001 album "Because of You" revealed influences from Tony Bennett, demonstrating his versatility and exploration of different musical styles.
2017: Later Career Appearance in "Lucky"
James Darren made a later career appearance in the film "Lucky" in 2017.
September 2, 2024: James Darren's Death
James Darren passed away on September 2, 2024.