James Darren, the ’50s/’60s heartthrob singer/actor known for his signature role as the surfer Moondoggie in the Gidget movie passed away on September 2, 2024 at the age of 88.
We here at DWB Film express our deep, heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Key Takeaways
- James Darren passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88.
- Jim Morret is his biological son from his divorced wife.
- Jim Morret had a difficult relationship with his father after his parents got divorced.
James Darren passed away in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as his son Jim Moret shared.
He explained that Darren had initially been admitted to the hospital for an aortic valve replacement but was found to be too weak to undergo the surgery.
After returning home, Jim had to return back after hearing that unfortunate news.
Despite the challenges, Jim mentioned that during his time in the hospital, Darren took the opportunity to express his love for the family, a testament to the deep bond they shared.
“I always thought he would pull through, because he was so cool. He was always cool.”
Via The Hollywood Reporter
“He was a good man. He was very talented. He was forever young.”
Via Variety
Following these kind words by Jim about his late father, people are curious to know about the kind of bond they shared.
But before jumping into their bond, it is very important to understand their familial relation.
Jim Moret Is The Son of James Darren’s Divorced Wife
In 1955, despite opposition, Darren married his sweetheart, Gloria Terlitsky.
The objection was made by Gloria’s father, as Gloria was Jewish while Darren was Catholic.
However, a year later, James and Gloria had a son, James Jr. (“Jimmy”), now known as Jim Moret.
Unfortunately, the couple got divorced in 1958, when Jim was just 2 years old.
This became the pivotal point that kindled the troubled relationship between Jim Moret and James Darren.
Jim Moret Had A Difficult Relationship With His Biological Father
Eleven years after the divorce, James legally renounced his parental rights when Moret was 13 by letting Jerry Moret (Gloria’s new husband) adopt Jim.
Jim has expressed the entire journey of pain and abandonment, conflicts between his parents, and the feeling of estrangement from his father in the 4th chapter, Forgiveness, from his book “The Last Day of My Life.”
In spite of having to go through such a lot at a very young age, Jim still had a soft corner for his biological father and same was for James.
“I have lived through the pain and I choose to focus now on the joy we share together. It is a complex relationship but one that I cherish.”
Via The Last Day of My Life
Moret mentions in his book that Darren felt bad about letting Jim get adopted and regards it as the greatest mistake of his life.
Moret loves both his biological and step father referring Jerry as “Dad” and James as “Father”.
Even after enduring so much bitterness from his father during a time when he should have known only love, Jim Moret has shown us all that forgiveness can be a powerful key in the journey toward healing.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jim Moret is a Chief Correspondent at Inside Edition.
- He was a former reporter at CNN.
- Jim is married to Keri Moret.
