LOS ANGELES (KABC) — James Darren, the former teen idol and pop singer best known for his role as Moondoggie in the “Gidget” films of the late 1950s and early 1960s, died Monday. He was 88.

According to Variety, Darren died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Darren had an iconic career, starring in three “Gidget” films and TV series such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “TJ Hooker”. He was also a talented singer and director.

His son Jim Moret told Variety that Darren was able to “express his love for his family” during treatment and called him “a good man” who remained “forever young.”