A Former “Gidget” Leaves Us
by Fred T. Beeman

Sandra Dee (born Alexandra Zuck in New Jersey), the former child actress known for playing “Gidget” and “Tammy,” passed away Sunday, February 20th, from kidney disease and pneumonia. Depending on which source you wish to accept, her birthdate and age varied. We shall rely on her son Dodd Darin’s statement that she was born on April 23, 1942, meaning that she was around two months shy of her 63rd birthday.

Her career took off rather early, thanks to the zealousness of her mother, who lied about her age to get her through school faster. At age 4, Sandra was already in the second grade, with classmates 3 years older than she. By age 12, she was a successful model, and before turning 18, she had appeared in “Until They Sail” (1957), and eight other movies, including “Gidget” and “A Summer Place,” both in 1959.

Her fresh face and blonde hair made her a role model for teenaged girls across America, and her marriage to singer Bobby Darin in 1960 didn’t diminish her popularity; in fact, it added to her appearances in the fan magazines.

Although plagued for much of her adult life with anorexia, alcoholism, depression and fewer roles being offered to her, she credited her son, Dodd, for her survival. She leaves behind her son, his wife Audrey, two granddaughters (Alexa & Olivia), along with loads of friends and fans who will fondly remember her.