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.