Growing Up with a Hollywood Legend
Let me tell you something incredible. Back in 1965, my dad, James Darren, wasn't just some guy working in Hollywood—he was a star on The Flintstones. And guess what? He didn’t just act; he sang a couple of songs too. Jim Moret, James Darren's son, who was around 9 years old at the time, opened up to Closer about what it was like growing up with a dad who was basically a big deal. "It was kind of like your dad was in the Beatles!" Jim exclaimed. "I thought it was the coolest thing in the entire world." Imagine being that kid, walking around knowing your dad was this massive celebrity. It’s like being part of an exclusive club, and you’re the only kid in school whose dad is on television singing and acting.
When James Darren joined Irwin Allen's 1966 sci-fi series The Time Tunnel, that’s when Jim really started to grasp just how famous his dad was. Picture this: you're in sixth grade, and your dad is starring in a primetime show. That’s not just cool—it’s practically rock star status. You’re the envy of everyone at school. It’s the kind of thing you brag about endlessly, and it’s something that shapes who you are as a person. For Jim, it wasn’t just about the fame; it was about the pride he felt knowing his dad was this incredible talent.
From Teen Idol to Hollywood Icon
James Darren wasn’t just some overnight sensation. He worked hard to get where he was. He rocketed to stardom playing the surfing-singing heartthrob Moondoggie in three Gidget movies. That’s right, folks, he was the guy everyone wanted to be back in the day. But that’s not all. He also played a WWII soldier in 1961’s The Guns of Navarone, which won a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Now, that’s a resume that speaks for itself. But here’s the kicker—despite all the fame and accolades, Jim Moret, now 67 and a broadcast journalist, says what he cherishes most are the simplest moments he shared with his dad. It’s not the glitz and glamour but the quiet, everyday moments that stick with him.
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Jim remembers running errands in Hollywood, stopping at a hardware store, and grabbing Yoo-hoos on Fountain Avenue. Sure, it might sound boring to some, but for Jim, it was special. It was alone time with his dad, something that was precious, especially after his parents divorced when he was just 2 years old. Weekends and summers spent with his dad were like little treasures he carried with him through life. Those moments weren’t about fame or fortune; they were about connection and love.
The Wild Side of James Darren
James Darren wasn’t all about the quiet, reserved moments. Oh no, he had a wild side too. Jim recalls his dad’s wicked sense of humor and love for adventure. They had a dune buggy, and not just any dune buggy—it was the coolest one you could ever imagine. It was loud, fun, and exactly the kind of thing a kid would dream about riding. Jim said, “He was just this kid from South Philly who made it big, but he had very simple tastes.” You could picture him now, just wearing jeans and a pullover shirt, nothing fancy, living life the way he wanted to. That’s the kind of guy James Darren was, and it’s what made him so special to Jim.
A Lifelong Artist
Jim also admired how his father never stopped evolving as an artist. James didn’t just rest on his laurels; he kept pushing himself. From being a teen idol to starring in the 1980s cop drama T.J. Hooker, and even directing episodes of popular TV shows like The A-Team and Melrose Place, James was always reinventing himself. Jim recalls his dad saying, “Never count on anything to last forever because it won’t.” That’s some serious wisdom right there. It’s a lesson about resilience and adaptability, something we can all take to heart.
But through all the changes, one thing remained constant—James’ love for his fans and family. After James passed away, Jim received hundreds of messages from people who were touched by his dad’s work. “He never let them down,” Jim said. “He just brought this innocent joy, and I think joy is his legacy.” It might sound simple, but sometimes the simplest things are the most profound. For Jim, there’s nothing he’s prouder of than knowing his dad left the world a little brighter.
