James Darren , a film actor, TV star, singer, and director was born June 8th in Philadelphia.  A chance introduction to the legendary producer/talent executive, Joyce Selznick, led to Darren's signing a seven year contract with Columbia Pictures. During his Columbia years, Darren made 19 films including playing Private Spyros Pappadimos in the big-budget The Guns of Navarone in 1961 and Gidget two years earlier. Darren played rich-kid surfer, Moondoggie, and returned to star in two of the sequels.

In Gidget, Darren sang two songs: the title tune and There's No Such Thing As the Next Best Thing To Love. Almost without intending to, he became a recording star. In the early 60's his hits included Goodbye Cruel World, which became number one in the US, as well as Angel Face, Conscience, and Her Royal Majesty - every one of which made the Top Ten List.
                       
Darren continued to make films and in 1966 starred in The Time Tunnel , his first TV series.  When the show ended, Darren decided to concentrate on his singing. He teamed with comedian Buddy Hackett for what would become a twelve-year partnership touring the country.

In 1983, Darren was offered the role of Jim Corrigan on the ABC-TV series T.J. Hooker. He directed the final episode of T.J. Hooker  which led to multiple TV directing jobs including Hunter, Nowhere Man, The A-Team, Hardball, and Police Story.

Darren has been rediscovered by a whole new generation of fans due to his appearances in the seventh and final season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Vic Fontaine, a holographic swinging 60's Vegas lounge singer. He is currently touring the country, once-again singing to adoring fans.