Nancy Sinatra pays tribute to late actor James Darren, reflects on their lifelong friendship

Nancy Sinatra, daughter of legendary singer Frank Sinatra, has paid tribute to her longtime friend and actor James Darren, who passed away at the age of 88. Darren, a prominent figure in television and film, was remembered by Sinatra as one of her “dearest, closest friends in all the world.”

Sinatra shared her heartfelt message on X (formerly known as Twitter), where she posted a series of photos highlighting their friendship over the years. In her post, Sinatra wrote, “One of my dearest, closest friends in all the world, of all my life has passed away. Godfather to my daughter, AJ. Wishing him a fast & beautiful journey through the Universe & beyond. Godspeed, sweet Jimmy. My heart is torn but full of love for Evy, Christian, Anthony & Jimmy Jr.”

James Darren, who was also a godfather to Sinatra’s daughter AJ Lambert, had a prolific career in television. He was best known for his roles in popular shows such as Melrose Place, Fantasy Island, and TJ Hooker during the 1980s. Additionally, Darren directed episodes of various TV shows, including Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place.

Darren’s most recent work was in the 2017 series Lucky, directed by John Carroll Lynch. Throughout his career, he made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

The news of Darren’s passing has deeply affected those who knew him, particularly Sinatra, who expressed her grief and fond memories in her tribute. Darren’s legacy in the entertainment world, along with his close relationships, will be remembered by many.