Who did James Darren play in Star Trek? Character explored as former teen idol star dies at 88

James Darren, who gained recognition for his performance as Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, died on Monday, September 2. Darren's son and correspondent for Inside Edition, Jim Moret, told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died in his sleep at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Moret also stated that his father was supposed to undergo surgery for aortic valve replacement. However, the operation did not happen since his body was not in a condition for the same.

Notably, James Darren had a successful career as a singer and director over the years. He released many albums and singles and his project, Goodbye Cruel World, managed to grab the top position on different charts.

The Diamond Head star's colleagues shared tribute posts on different platforms as soon as the news of his demise went viral. Singer Tony Orlando shared a Facebook post with a photo of Darren smiling, and the caption stated:

"I lost a great friend and our world of entertainment lost a super talent and equally super kind man, James Darren. RIP Jimmy. Put in a good word for me and RIP. We will miss you."

Apart from Jim, James is survived by two more sons, Christian and Tony, alongside his wife Evy Norlund. James and Evy were married for around 64 years and before that, Darren tied the knot with Gloria Terlitsky in 1955. The duo split in 1958.

---

James Darren appeared for a brief period in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

The late actor James Darren was praised by critics and audiences alike for the characters he portrayed over the years. One of his memorable roles was Vic Fontaine, which he played in eight episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Fontaine was a human hologram in the 24th century and also operated the Las Vegas Lounge.

James Darren's character in the show never hesitated to help anyone, including Julian (CMO of a space station 'Deep Space Nine'). Moreover, Worf did not fear speaking to Fontaine about his good and bad sides. Captain Sisko also shared a close bond with him and they even performed a duet.

Fontaine was created in such a manner so that he could interact with the members of a program, simulating 1962 Las Vegas on Earth. He could turn the program on and off as per his requirements and was also a mentor to the residents living in DS9.

He was approached by Odo when he tried to impress Kira Nerys and the latter was turned into a piano player. Fontaine also brought some holo-showgirls and arranged a date for them. However, he never told Odo that the Kira who was with him at dinner was not real.

Fontaine was later joined by Nog as a personal accountant, which led to a lot of profit. The duo became close at one point and Nog was frustrated when Vic told him to leave Vegas and Vic eventually shut down the program. There was also a hidden subroutine in Fontaine's program and he organized a special concert for the command crew of DS9.

---

James Darren had multiple films and TV shows in his credits

Also known as James William Ercolani, he underwent training in acting under the guidance of Stella Adler in New York City. He decided to pursue a career in singing and his debut album was released in 1960. His songs also received a positive response, including Because They're Young, Her Royal Majesty, and more.

James Darren made his acting debut as a part of Columbia Pictures where he worked in five films. The lineup began with Rumble on the Docks followed by Operation Mad Ball, The Brothers Rico, Gunman's Walk, and The Tijuana Story.

He portrayed important characters in TV shows like The Donna Reed Show, The Time Tunnel, and T.J. Hooker. Darren played minor roles in other projects such as S.W.A.T., The Feather and Father Gang, Fantasy Island, and Renegade.