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James Darren (James William Ercolani) began his career as a teen
idol after,  being discovered by talent agent and casting director
Joyce Selznick. He was given roles in films, most notably, the role
Moondoggie in Gidget in 1959. He also had a string of pop hits for
Colpix Records, the biggest of which was "Goodbye Cruel World"
(#3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961). It sold over one million copies,
and was awarded a gold disc. Another big hit was "Her Royal Majesty"
(#6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962). Darren later had a regular role
as Officer James Corrigan on the television police drama T. J. Hooker
from 1983–1986 (ABC/CBS). 

Promo photo of James Darren for T.J. Hooker