James Darren Biography

Fast Facts

• As a youth, he studied acting with acclaimed drama instructor Stella Adler
• Made his screen acting debut in the film "Rumble on the Docks" in 1956
• Was discovered by renowned talent scout Joyce Selznick in the 1950s
• Quote: "(On his music career): "I don't listen to critics, good or bad, but the people I truly respect, who are great musicians or great singers in their own right․""
• Best known for his role as Officer Jim Corrigan in "T․J․ Hooker" and as Jeffrey Matthews in "Gidget․"
• Released several chart-topping pop hits in the early 1960s, including "Goodbye Cruel World" and "Her Royal Majesty․"
• Directed several episodes of TV series like "Werewolf," "Hunter," and "Silk Stalkings․"
• Has appeared in several hit TV dramas throughout his acting career, including "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Melrose Place" and "Beverly Hills 90210․"
• Provided the voice of Yogi Bear in the 1964 children's animation "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!"
• Had a recurring role as Dr․ Tony Newman in the TV series "The Time Tunnel" in the mid-1960s