Star Trek’s James Darren Dies Age 88

The world lost the amazingly talented James Darren at the age of 88. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he suffered medical complications prior to an aortic valve replacement at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Star Trek fans best know him as Vic Fontainethe holographic entertainer aboard Star Trek: Deep Space 9. Thought of as Star Trek’s “best counsellor,” Vic Fontaine was seen in seven episodes—each one touching the hearts of the crew and fans alike!

” But like the man said… nothing lasts forever. So gang, this one’s from the heart.” – Vic FOntaine (ST: DS9 – ‘What You leave behind’)

James Darren, singer and actor, passed away on Sept. 2, 2024. Image Courtesy of USAToday.

A Career Entertainer

James Darren was also known for his supporting roles in films such as Gidget (1959), The Gene Krupa Story (1959), All the Young Men (1960), The Guns of Navarone (1961), and Diamond Head (1962). In his early years, he released the single “Goodbye Cruel World,” in 1961. Later, he was a regular in the hit TV show T.J. Hooker before starring in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

In Deep Space NineDarren’s character, Vic Fontaine, supports the crew during the stressful Dominion War. Originally created by “Felix,” for Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig), the program Vic’s Lounge became quickly popular. Nog (Aron Eisenberg) relied on Vic while recovering from his traumatic leg injury during the Seige of AR-558.

In appreciation of his services, Nog then arranged for Vic’s program to be run continuously for the crew to enjoy. Through Vic’s guidance earlierOdo (Rene Auberjonois) revealed his romantic feelings for Kira (Nina Visitor). This led to one of DS9’s favourite couples.

James Darren, as Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Image Courtesy of Paramount+.

A Note from the Author

I’ve been a Star Trek fan since the age of 8, after watching “Balance of Terror,” (Star Trek: Original Series; Episode 1×14) with my parents one afternoon. While in college, I found an appreciation for jazz music. This led me to the classics – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett. I quickly fell in love with the Great American Songbook. When I watched Star Trek: Deep Space Nine for the first time, I was thrilled when Vic Fontaine was introduced. Oddly, these little glimpses into 1960’s Las Vegas brought nostalgia. A memory that I was too young to have.

Soon after, I learned that James Darren recorded an album, This One’s From the Heart. It included his renditions of the classics we enjoyed through Deep Space Ninefrom “The Best is Yet to Come,” to “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” with others mixed in. To this day, it is a part of my regular Spotify playlist. My parents and sister moved to Vegas nearly eight years ago, and I would visit one to two times per year.

Unlike some, I would always gravitate towards “classic” genres of shows along the Las Vegas Strip. One such was the Dennis Bono Show at the SouthPoint Casino. This is a radio show that would always bring in a live audience. Tickets were free (if you arrived early enough!). One of my last visits, I missed James Darren performing on this show by a day. I had always hoped to have the chance again, but life became busy as it does and my trips became sparse.

Not only did I enjoy his role as Vic Fontaine, but I greatly enjoyed Darren’s voice. His soft yet powerful tone romanticized the songs he honoured. His music will always remain in my collection.

Mr. Darren, on behalf of Star Trek fan’s all around the world – We’ll be seeing you!