Born Jimmy Ercolini and raised on 10th Street between Ritner and Porter in the same South Philadelphia neighborhood that produced Fabian, Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon, James Darren grew into a tall, dark and handsome Italian heartthrob who would also enjoy a run as a teenage singing sensation. While studying acting with Stella Adler in NYC, a chance meeting with Columbia Pictures eastern talent scout Joyce Selznick opened the door to a screen career, and he joined the studio's stable of fine young actors, delivering a standout performance in his feature debut as the juvenile gang leader and
Commuted to NYC from Philadelphia to study acting with Stella Adler
On way to appointment with Columbia Pictures eastern talent scout Joyce Selznick in NYC's Brill Building met Selznick in elevator; not knowing who he was, she was impressed with his look and presence and suggested he meet with her; signed to contract with Columbia
1956
Feature acting debut, "Rumble on the Docks"
1959
Played Jeff 'Moondoggie' Matthews opposite Sandra Dee's "Gidget"; first of four films with director Paul Wendkos (a fellow Philadelphian); sang the songs "Gidget" and "The Next Best Thing To Love"
