What is an aortic valve replacement? James Darren's hospitalization explored as the actor dies aged 88

Well-known actor James Darren recently passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 88 on September 2, 2024. While speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Darren's son Jim Moret said that his father died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in his sleep.

Notably, Darren was admitted to the hospital to undergo an aortic valve replacement, which is a heart valve surgery done for a damaged valve controlling blood flow in the heart. For the unversed, the operation is done by adding a mechanical valve made from the heart tissue of a cow, pig, or human heart.

However, the surgery was canceled due to James Darren's weak health condition. Before going for the operation, it is necessary to check the severity of the damage alongside the patient's age.

A damaged valve can lead to changes in blood flow and replacement surgery can reduce the possibility of a heart valve disease. It could also be an open-heart surgery and might be done if the problems in the valve impact the heart's ability to pump blood. Surgeons also advise valve replacement since it can keep the heart in a healthy condition and there is no risk of infection.

On the other hand, the process could lead to certain risks such as bleeding, blood clots, irregular heartbeats, and stroke.

While further details related to James Darren's health issues are currently awaited, Jim told Entertainment Weekly that his father managed to impress the audience with his appearance as Moondoggie in Gidget. He even recalled the time when he went to watch Darren's performance at the South Point Hotel around six years ago and stated:

"It was great to watch. He had the swagger, voice, talent, and charm. Their grandfather was cool."

James Darren is survived by his wife Evy Norlund alongside three sons Christian, Anthony, and Rico, and five grandchildren that include Amanda, Carly, Matthew, Natalie, and Nicholas.

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James Darren was featured in many popular projects throughout his career

The T.J. Hooker star's successful journey dates back to the 50s when he began collaborating with Columbia Pictures for a few films. His singing career also helped him to gain recognition among the public and his albums and singles turned out to be commercially successful.

James Darren portrayed certain characters over the years that became famous at one point. The best among them was Jeffrey "Moondoggie" Matthews, who appeared in the comedy film, Gidget. Released in 1959, it became a cult classic and was followed by two sequels.

During a conversation with the Los Angeles magazine in August 2015, Darren recalled the time when he developed a close friendship with John Saxon during the 50s and how he kept on changing apartments. He even addressed the moment he became a teen idol after the release of Gidget and said:

"The defining moment was when I was at a studio in San Francisco and word got out that I was there. Thousands of girls were screaming out front. When I had to leave the building, they tackled me to the ground and pulled pieces of my hair out."

James revealed in the interview that he purchased his first house in 1964 and it was located at Heather Road. Darren was also seen playing different characters in TV shows, including The Time Tunnel, where he appeared as Dr. Tony Newman.

He was additionally cast for small roles in other TV projects such as Charlie's Angels, Hawaii Five-O, and Melrose Place. Darren had a brief career as a director where he helmed the episodes of some TV shows. In his interview with the Los Angeles magazine, he said that he once approached the creator of T.J. Hooker, Rick Husky, asking if he could direct the show.

"I knew it was the next step. Anyway, when Rick told me I was doing it, the blood left my body. Thank God I knew the crew. That was a giant help because I had no idea or not much of an idea what I was doing except what I would visualize in my head."

As a singer, James Darren had 14 albums in his credits alongside singles like Angel Face, Teenage Tears, All the Young Men, Mary's Little Lamb, and more.