James Darren, renowned actor, singer, and director, known for his iconic role in "Gidget," has passed away at the age of 88.

 Actor and former teen idol James Darren, best known for his role in the "Gidget" franchise, has passed away at the age of 88, according to reports.

Darren reportedly died on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son, Jim Moret, to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Darren had been hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement but was later deemed "too weak" to undergo the procedure. "He was a good man. He was very talented," Moret told Variety. "He was forever young."

Singer-songwriter Nancy Sinatra also paid tribute to Darren in an emotional post on X, sharing a photo collage of the two. "One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away," Sinatra wrote. "Wishing him a fast and beautiful journey through the universe and beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony, and Jimmy Jr."

Japan triumphs over the USA to claim wheelchair rugby gold at the Paris Paralympics-