TV Radio Mirror (Jul - Dec 1961)

(Continued from page 63) on in, Jimmy's growth was gradual but consistent. Some seven pictures later, he came into his own, actingwise, in ''Let No Man Write My Epitaph." Hardboiled critics literally wept _ over his dramatic, soul-searching performance. In the meantime, Jimmy's personal life took an unexpected turn and completed his circle of true happiness. His marriage to a non-professional had resulted in failure, but he married again — this time, to blonde and beautiful Evy Norlund. The former high-fashion model (Miss Denmark in the Miss Universe contest, prior to her motion-picture career) and Jimmy chose New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral for the wedding ceremony. Jimmy met Evy when each was enrolled in drama classes on the studio lot. Her English was bad at the beginning, but good enough for understanding Jimmy's "Will you have dinner with me some night?" When the lonely pair had their initial date, he discovered that all her qualities appealed to him. She was honest, outgoing, gentle, and refreshing as a sea-breeze. He in turn was volatile, introspective, guarded, and withdrawn. Their chemistry was made to order for romance. "We combined our honeymoon with the filming of 'The Guns of Navarone,' in Greece and London," Jimmy recalls. "When we visited Evy's large family in Denmark, I went there not expecting to like it. So, it was so wonderful, we went there twice! Having Evy along to share made my first trip to Europe perfect. She is always completely adaptable, and my five-year-old son, Jimmy Jr., adores her, too. Even when Evy was expecting our son, Christian — and I had to make many personal tours — she never complained. Evy voluntarily gave up her career. She is content with her role of wife and mother. Believe me, I count my blessings! "Seven weeks after Chris was born, I had to go to Honolulu on location for 'Gidget Goes Hawaiian.' This was the acid-test for Evy, since I wanted her to accompany me and the baby was too young to travel. We left him in the capable hands of my brother and his wife, who also have a young son. Every time we mentioned Chris — which was often — Evy just managed to hold back her tears. Finally, she took to calling him, just to hear him gurgle and coo over the long-distance telephone. We ')' counted the days and hours, until we thought we'd never get back to holding him close to our hearts again!" Although Jimmy Jr. lives with his mother, his famous father sees him every possible weekend. "A growing boy needs all the love and attention both parents can give him," Jimmy avows. "When I'm with my son, I try not to do personal chores that would L distract or bore him. It's not much fun for a kid to go around with an adult, unless the day is free for his interests. We have a fine time building model planes together. Sometimes we go to the zoo. Jimmy's a fine boy and I just hope I may be able to save him from making some of the mistakes I've made." According to Jimmy Darren, "I have never been happier or more content than I am today." Therefore, it's reasonable to assume he's in tune with and in complete control of every situation. Not quite so, he insists. A case in point: His first recording session. It was inevitable that the Col-Pix Recording Company — a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures — would enhance the facets of Jimmy's career by remembering he had an excellent pair of pipes. "I had never sung in front of a live band before," he grins, "so, when I say I was nervous, I mean they practically had to hold me up when my knees buckled. It's quite an experience to face eighteen musicians — plus arrangerconductor Billy May — plus Morris Stoloff, then head of the music department — plus writers of the songs and the crew of recording technicians. I managed to remain in one piece and, quite seriously, I loved every moment of it!" To date, Jimmy has recorded about eight numbers. His own favorites are "Gidget" and "There's No Such Thing." The most popular with the buying public are "Gidget" and "Angel Face." It's his personal belief that a singer must choose either popular or rock 'n' roll, and he's learned it's a mistake to try and sing both. As long as he can sing and act, too, he'll continue to consider himself a very fortunate fellow. Obviously, Jimmy's bachelor apartment was a bit crowded for comfortable family living. The Darrens' current abode is a rented, all-redwood house, high in the Hollywood Hills. Jimmy shudders whenever he strikes a match, which rather cramps his style when he cooks his specialty — "barbecued steak and a terrific raw-vegetable salad to go with it." His favorite friends and welcome dropper-inners include actor John Saxon and comedian Mort Sahl. There's an excellent hi-fi system in the house, complete with Lansing speaker and H.H. Scott amplifier. Jimmy's record collection features all of Count Basie — and "Sinatra, of course!" The Darrens alternate "staying home with going out." Jimmy isn't too fond of cocktail parties — "they're usually cold, and everyone stands around holding a drink with nothing to say to each other." He wishes he had more time to pursue such hobbies as playing the trumpet, tennis, baseball, tinkering with sport cars, and his newest — painting. Jimmy started out big, by painting an elephant! He likes clothes, collects sweaters and usually wears one favorite. He literally loathes driving in traffic — and "pedestrians who bump into you, spin you around, and then don't even have the decency to look back, make my blood boil. "I still have a great temper," Jimmy confesses, "but I've learned to make sure it's necessary, before I lose it. In fact, I've learned to make sure about many things. Like handling things with more thought, as opposed to acting on impulse, which I normally did when I was younger. I'm more understanding and tolerant today. And, thanks to Evy, I'm no longer restless and impatient. My present contract has two more years to run, and who knows what will happen after that? As a performer, I believe I need to have much more training before I hit my peak. As far as my personal life is concerned — thank God, I've found true love. Without it, you're nobody at all!" Why not write us a letter? 8-61 In this issue of TV Radio Mirror, there are more stories than in the past. Many of them are, as before, about favorite stars of TV seen regularly on weekly shows. Others, as you've noticed, are about new stars, new shows. Or about what goes on behind the TV scene. Please write us a letter to let us know what you'd like in future issues: YES NO HOW MANY EACH MONTH? Stories on major established performers on TV Stories on the people you see on TV who are internationally prominent, but not entertainers Discovery stories on new talent in TV and in the recording field Stories on developments in TV, such as Pay TV, Color TV, international projects, etc. Reviews of new TV series (one a month) Behind-the-scenes stories Send to: TV Radio Mirror, Box 2150, Grand Central Station, New York 17, N. Y. 67