James Darren, known for his roles in 'Gidget' and 'TJ Hooker,' has passed away at the age of 88.

The teen surfing star in "Gidget," James Darren, has passed away.

On Monday, Darren passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Darren's son, Jim Moret, who is an "Inside Edition" correspondent, stated that the 88-year-old actor required an aortic valve replacement but was not robust enough for the surgery.

""He was always cool, which is why I thought he would pull through," Moret said to the outlet."

Darren had a successful behind-the-scenes career as a television director, directing episodes of popular series such as "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place" throughout his long career.

Darren began his acting career as the teen surfer star in the 1959 film "Gidget," where he played Moondoggie alongside Sandra Dee as the title character.

"Darren later remembered being in love with Sandra and thinking she was perfect as Gidget, with great charm."

Although the film was successful, only Darren, the original cast member, starred in the two follow-up movies, "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" and "Gidget Goes to Rome." In the second film, Gidget was played by Deborah Walley, and in the third, it was Cindy Carol.

"I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool." — James Darren's son, Jim Moret

"In 2004, Darren stated to Entertainment Weekly that he was under contract and felt like a prisoner. However, he added that being with the "lovely young ladies" made it the best prison he had ever experienced."

Darren paused his acting and singing career to direct "T.J. Hooker," where he played Officer Jim Corrigan. Afterward, he resumed his on-screen presence with roles in "Melrose Place" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.