The late James Darren, who played Vic Fontaine onStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, is remembered by William Shatner and their fellowStar Trekactors. Darren passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 88. A former teen heartthrob and star ofGidget, The Time Tunnel, T.J. Hooker, and numerous other films, TV series, and stage performances,Darren was a beloved actor, singer, and director.James Darren is survived by his wife Evy, his sons Jim Moret, Christian Darren, and Tony Darren, five grandchildren, and one goddaughter.
On X,William Shatner paid tribute to hisT.J. Hookerco-star, James Darren, calling him"a wonderful man - so talented; so loving.“Check outMr. Shatner’s X postbelow:
Nana Visitor, who played Major Kira Nerys onStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, also fondly remembered her co-star, James Darren. Check outNana’s X postbelow:
Robert Picardo, who played The Doctor onStar Trek: Voyager,called fellow Philadelphia native James Darren an"extraordinary and talented gentleman.“Check outPicardo’s X postbelow:
As Quark onStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, Armin Shimerman co-starred with James Darren, who called his friend"the epitome of kindness”.Check out Shimerman’s X post below:
Star Trek: EnterpriseandThe D-Con Chamber’s Dominic Keating hosted James Darren on his former podcast,The Shuttlepod Show, and called the late star"a legend and a gent.“Check out Keating’s X post below.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Cast & Character Guide
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had the biggest cast of characters of any Trek show, meaning that Captain Sisko had numerous allies in the Dominion War.
Why James Darren’s Vic Fontaine Was Important To Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
There’s no one in Star Trek like Vic Fontaine, pally.
As Vic Fontaine,James Darren was a singular presence onStar Trek: Deep Space Nine.Vic was a self-aware hologram who resided in a recreation of a Las Vegas casino. Wise, compassionate, talented, and already ready to lend his friends an ear, Vic became a trusted friend toDS9’s crew, including Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks). Thanks to Vic’s friendly advice from the heart, severalDS9characters find love or, in the case ofEnsign Nog (Aron Eisenberg), are able to overcome trauma and regain the spring in their step.
James Darren only joinedStar Trek: Deep Space Nineat the end of season 6, andVic Fontaine appeared in just 7 episodes. Looking back, it’s remarkable what an indelible impact Darren and Vic made onDS9in such a short amount of time.Vic Fontaine infusedDS9with 1960s retro cool, and in his own way, the holographic crooner embodied theoptimistic values ofStar Trek.Vic Fontaine was a unique creation ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, and there will never be another like him, or like James Darren, again.
