Teen Idol James Darren Dies at 88 – Remembering His Movies, Net Worth, and Cause of Death. Sad news today as James Darren, a beloved teen idol from the 1960s, has passed away at 88. Known for his iconic role as Moondoggie in the classic “Gidget” films, Darren was one of the stars who helped spark the surfing craze of the ‘60s. So, if you’re wondering, "What teen idol died today?"—yes, it's James Darren. He died peacefully in his sleep at a hospital in Los Angeles, and while the official cause of