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Alan Sacks, who teamed with stand-up comic and fellow Brooklynite Gabe Kaplan to create the popular 1970s ABC sitcom Welcome, Back, Kotter, has died. He was 81.

Sacks died Tuesday of complications from lymphoma in New York while on a visit there, his wife, talent agent Annette van Duren, told The Hollywood Reporter. He was first diagnosed 22 years ago but spent several years in remission before the cancer returned.

In the 1980s, after a project involving the iconic L.A. band The Runaways never got off the ground, Sacks took the footage and incorporated it into a plot about a director working on a tight deadline to finish a movie starring Runaways member Joan Jett.

The resulting film, Du-Beat-e-o (1984), which he also helmed, was set against the background of the hardcore L.A. punk scene and featured Ray Sharkey and Derf Scratch of the punk band Fear.

He also wrote and...

As an avid child of television, Friday nights were something to look forward to as ABC had the coolest shows from 8-11 p.m. Nestled between The Patridge Family and The Odd Couple was Room 222, more a dramedy than a straightforward sitcom. As school let out in January 1974, the network clearly wasn’t done with classes as just over a year later, they debuted a true sitcom: Welcome Back, Kotter.

The series ran until May 1979, and its superb casting catapulted John Travolta to superstardom. Born from standup comic Gabe Kapler’s routines about his Brooklyn high school experiences, the premise saw Gabe Kotter return to his alma mater, James Buchanan High, this time as a teacher. He was assigned the lowest performing students, dubbed the Sweathogs, of which he was once one.

Filmed before an audience on videotape, it closely resembled the other popular half-hour shows of the era.

Burbank, CA – “Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back!” For the first time ever, all episodes from the classic TV series are brought together in one set with the release of Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete Series on DVD on June 11th, available for purchase online and in-store at major retailers. Get ready to binge on all 95 episodes, and go down memory lane as our favorite high school teacher, Gabe Kotter, returns to his childhood inner-city high school to teach a new generation of trouble-making kids.

Welcome Back, Kotter premiered in 1975 and aired for four seasons. The series was nominated for four Emmy Awards®, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1976. The original cast includes a young John Travolta playing Vinnie Barbarino in his first principal TV role. The series also stars Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, Marcia Strassman as Julie Kotter, John Sylvester White as Mr. Woodman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Washington, Robert Hegyes as Epstein,...

Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI reached the 37th anniversary of its theatrical release on August 1st. Four days earlier, July 28th was the 34th anniversary of the release of Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. And the folks at Sadist Art Designs have decided to celebrate both of these films by unveiling new Jason Lives and Jason Takes Manhattan T-shirt designs!

Both shirts are available with or without side seams, and while the Jason Lives shirt is only available in black, the Jason Takes Manhattan shirt comes in a variety of colors. Prices range from $26 to $32, and the options and be viewed (and purchases can be made) on the Sadist Art Designs website. A couple sample images of the shirts can also be found at the bottom of this article.

The Jason Lives shirt shows iconic slasher Jason Voorhees with iconic rocker Alice Cooper, who...

Director/Tfh Guru Mick Garris discusses his favorite year in film, 1986, with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.

Show Notes:

Movies Referenced In This Episode

Stir of Echoes (1999)

The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Fly (1958) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary

*The Fly (1986) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary

The Fly II (1989)

Fuzzbucket (1986)

The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings

Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness

Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings

*Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review

The Terminator (1984) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary

The Brood (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Scanners (1981) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary

Fast Company (1979)

Rabid (1977) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review

Shivers (1975)

Crimes of the Future (1970)

Crimes of the Future (2022)

Stereo (1969)

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary

Stand By Me...

In the mid-1970s, ABC introduced a pair of unique comedies that tried to shake things up a little bit. One was the Hal Linden cop sitcom Barney Miller, while the other was stand-up comedian Gabe Kaplan’s high school-set Welcome Back, Kotter. The premise of the latter (which introduced John Travolta to the world) had Gabe playing Gabe Kotter, a teacher with a sense of humor who takes a job at his alma mater, James Buchanan High School, located in Brooklyn, New York. He’s given a classroom of juvenile delinquents known as the Sweathogs, and assigned by school assistant principal Michael Woodman to keep them “contained” until they either drop out or somehow manage to graduate. But, instead, Kotter, who was one of the original Sweathogs in his youth, tries to connect with them to make them better people in the process. It sounds more like a serious drama (going way back,...

Welcome Back, Kotter indeed. Recently, it was announced the '70s TV show is coming to Antenna TV.The classic ABC sitcom starred Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, a teacher who returns to his high school to teach a class of slackers known as the "Sweathogs." The cast also included John Travolta, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White, Ron Palillo, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Robert Hegyes. The show ran for four seasons before ending in 1979.Read More…...

Stars: Ron Palillo, Abigail Wolcott, Carel Trichardt, Petrea Curran, Evan J. Klisser, Joanne Warde, Frank Notaro, Lance Vaughan, Victor Melleney | Written by Michael O’Rourke | Directed by William A. Levey

Hellgate was released at the very back end of the 1980′s, written by Michael O’Rourke and directed by William A. Levey (Blackenstein) and featured, as it’s selling point and headline act, the late Ron Palillo (Welcome Back, Kotter), an actor who had been mostly known for his work in television sitcoms and bit-parts on drama shows and low-budget films. Palillo plays, for lack of a better term, the “stud” of the movie, and we even get to see him, straddling and wiggling in his birthday suit, a disturbing moment in cinema, for sure. His performance is lacklustre like the rest of the performances in the film, but once you get used to it… actually, scrap that, you never get used to it,...

Stars: Ron Palillo, Abigail Wolcott, Carel Trichardt, Petrea Curran, Evan J. Klisser, Joanne Warde, Frank Notaro, Lance Vaughan, Victor Melleney | Written by Michael O’Rourke | Directed by William A. Levey

So, Arrow Video have gone and done it again, released a movie from the 80’s that many people think of as pure garbage but some people, a niche group of cult horror film fans, look at as a little gem in the realm of “so bad it’s good”.

Hellgate was released at the very back end of the 1980′s, written by Michael O’Rourke and directed by William A. Levey (Blackenstein) and featured, as it’s selling point and headline act, the late Ron Palillo (Welcome Back, Kotter), an actor who had been mostly known for his work in television sit-coms and bit-parts on drama shows and low-budget films. Palillo plays, for lack of a better term, the “stud” of the movie,...

By MoreHorror.com

More Horror today announced that Executive producer Andre Roberson and Writer/Director Sergio Candido were the subjects of interviews conducted by Dawna Lee Heising for “MoreHorror in Hollywood,” on June 30, 2013 at Polymedia Entertainment Studios in Orange, CA (watch the interview below the details). Roberson and Candido discussed their upcoming action-packed horror film, “Visions Evilutions” which is set for worldwide distribution. Candido announced that Kendra Jade has been signed to the film and that he has already been commissioned to write the sequel, which will be filmed in Brazil. Roberson plays Randy in the film, Tiffany Solano plays Katie, Heising plays Donna, and Candido will play the role of Billy, who becomes the primary creature in the movie. There are other creatures in the film.

"Visions Evilutions” has received 100,000 “Likes” on Facebook. Candido announced the two winners of the latest Facebook “Visions Evilutions” contest:, Bobby Villegas and Emma Lee.

The ensemble casts of Argo and Downton Abbey upset the competition at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. In the ceremony honoring the year's best performances in film and television, other unexpected and/or well-deserved wins went to Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Lawrence, Bryan Cranston, Tina Fey, Anne Hathaway and Claire Danes. Read on for the recap…

Click Here for the complete list of winners.

The Best Ensembles

The night's top award, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, went to the 13 actors of Argo, with a stunned Ben Affleck excitedly making sure he thanked his wife Jennifer Garner and studio, Warner Bros. in the middle of lauding the many speaking roles required for his film: "They wanted to kill it to make the movie better," he said, declaring of the win, "I am really amazed and stunned." The true-life Iran hostage tale beat out Lincoln...

As a new year dawns, a tribute to those we've lost in the year now ending is merited ... and in 2012, those sad milestones have encompassed some of the most popular personalities in television history.

Andy Griffith: The actor-producer who put Mayberry on the map forever will be remembered as one of television's most genial personalities, also extending to his run as wily lawyer Matlock.

Dick Clark: The number of music stars who owe at least part of their success to the "American Bandstand" maestro is incalculable. Thanks to him, people also enjoy "New Year's Rockin' Eve," receive American Music Awards and have a greater appreciation of bloopers. Here's a "so long" salute to you, Dick.

Larry Hagman: The truly unfortunate irony of the veteran actor's recent death is that he was just starting his second round of "Dallas" success as master schemer J.R. Ewing. He'll also...

A tribute to honor and celebrate the life and career of Ron Palillo, best known as Horshack on Welcome Back, Kotter has been scheduled for today, October 3, 2012. The 6pm tribute will take place at The Triad Theatre, which is located at 158 West 72nd Street. Palillo died in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on August, 14, 2012, of a heart attack. Broadway's Tyne Daly, a longtime friend, will host the event.

Showtime's Homeland and ABC's Modern Family were the big winners at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday night, airing live from the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Read on the for the recap…

Click Here for the complete list of winners!

The Drama

Homeland bested drama contenders Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Mad Men and Game of Thrones for the Outstanding Drama series honor. The show's leading man Damian Lewis pleasantly surprised the room with an Outstanding Lead Actor win over tough competitors Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) and Michael C. Hall (Dexter). "I'm one of those pesky Brits, apologies," he said, acknowledging his fellow nominees and the Homeland cast members that he likes "to dine with."

Pics: Star Sightings: A-Listers at the 2012 Emmys

Damian's Homeland co-star Claire Danes won for Outstanding Lead Actress. Besting Glenn Close (Damages), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Julianna Margulies ([link...

A tribute to honor and celebrate the life and career of Ron Palillo, best known as Horshack on Welcome Back, Kotter has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 3, 2012. The 6pm tribute will take place at The Triad Theatre, which is located at 158 West 72nd Street. Palillo died in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on August, 14, 2012, of a heart attack. Broadway's Tyne Daly, a longtime friend, will host the event.

Between Hollywood reboot mania, reunions from the likes of 98 Degrees and the Spice Girls, and the televised resurgence of both Christina and Britney, it’s clear that the 20-teens are saturated with nostalgia for the recent past. That’s no problem for kids of the ’80s and ’90s; since our childhood favorites must be the pinnacle of culture, it only makes sense for those properties to be reborn in a modern context. (We learned our narcissism by watching you, Boomers!)

So when our generation learned yesterday that Lisa Whelchel and Michael J. Fox are both returning to the small screen,...

Comedian, actress, artist, and author Phyllis Diller died Monday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 95.

“She was a true pioneer,” Diller’s longtime agent Fred Wostbrock told EW. “She was the first lady of stand up comedy. She paved the way for everybody. And she conquered television, movies, Broadway, record albums, nightclubs, books, and radio. She did it all. A true pioneer.”

The housewife-turned-advertising copywriter and mother of six got her big showbiz break in 1955 at the age of 37 when the owner of San Francisco’s now-defunct Purple Onion nightclub gave her a substitute stand-up spot one night.

Ron Palillo, who is best known for playing the nerdy high school student Arnold Horshack on the 1970s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," died from a heart attack on Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He was 63 years old. Palillo said that while "Welcome Back, Kotter" turned John Travolta into a star, his acting career ended with the show. He felt exiled throughout the 1980s, unable to find parts, sinking into depression, and rarely venturing out of his apartment. He eventually appeared on the second season of "Celebrity Boxing" back in 2002, but was pummeled in the ring by Dustin Diamond, best known as Screech from "Saved By the Bell."...

If you've been the subject of an E! True Hollywood Story, then chances are you've made your mark in pop culture. And that's exactly what Ron Palillo dished to E! about in 2000 when Welcome Back Kotter scored its own Ths episode. Palillo, who played the memorably nasal Horschak on the 1970s sitcom alongside Gabe Kaplan and John Travolta, died at 63 of a heart attack in his sleep. "The thing that's really odd about the show is that it's 25 years old now and we still keep in touch…on a pretty regular basis," Palillo said of himself and his fellow former Sweathogs. He went on to other roles, but Kotter always stayed with him, "for...

Another Sweathog has gone to heaven: Actor Ron Palillo, who played the needy, nerdy Arnold Horshack on ABC's mid-70s smash high-school-set sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, died today at the age of 63. Kotter never got passed from generation to generation like, say, The Brady Bunch, so when the news started trickling out over Twitter and Facebook this morning, those born after Jimmy Carter took office likely shrugged uncomprehendingly or, if in procrastination mode, made a detour to Google to ask "What's a Horshack?" But Palillo's passing, which follows the January death of fellow Sweathog Robert Hegyes (Epstein), gave Gen Xers a sad pause in the day as they went rushing to YouTube (today's pop-culture group mourning spot) to search for clips of him honking his Eddie Murphy-like laugh.Palillo's Horshack — one of the underachieving crew of Mr. Kotter's students called the Sweathogs, led by John Travolta's Vinnie Barbarino...

Birthday shoutouts go to Christopher Gorham (above, with his family) , who is 38, Halle Berry is 46, Marcia Gay Harden is 53, Steve Martin is 67, and Sarah Brightman is 52???, and in addition to her many accomplishments gave us one of the greatest songs of all time. It's also Tim Tebow's 25th birthday, and below you can see him in a hilarious pose from next month's GQ. Either he's completely clueless, or I have to give him credit for self-parody.

Sex Is The Question is the largest survey ever attempted by a Us federal agency for gay and bisexual men. Sponsored by the Center for Disease Control, it will be used by state and local health departments to better understand the HIV epidemic among gay and bisexual men and potentially create new techniques to reverse the trend. For every completed survey, "Sex Is the Question" will make a monetary donation to the It Gets Better Project.

Actor Ron Palillo has passed away suddenly at the age of 63. He died at his Florida home early this morning, according to his friend Stacy Sacco. Jacqueline Stander, an agent for Palillo, told NBC that the actor had a heart attack and passed away in his sleep.

He was best known for playing "Sweathog" Arnold Dingfelder Horshak on the hit TV series Welcome Back, Kotter. The show aired from 1975-79 on ABC and featured a young John Travolta as well as Gabe Kaplan, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White, Robert Hegyes, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Melonie Haller, and Stephen Shortridge.

Patillo had other supporting TV roles over the years and provided voices in various animated TV series like Laverne and Shirley in the Army and Darkwing Duck. He also had starring roles in musical productions like Amadeus, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf? and Guys and Dolls.

The actor, famous for playing Arnold Horshack on the classic sitcom, suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Hollywood has lost yet another iconic TV actor. Ron Palillo, who most fans remember as Welcome Back Kotter's lovable buffoon Arnold Horshack, suffered a heart attack Aug. 13 in his Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., home and passed away. He is survived by his partner of 41 years, actor Joseph Gramm. After his four-year run on Kotter ended in 1979, Ron appeared on a number of hit TV shows, including One Life to Live and Cagney & Lacey. In case you aren't familiar with Ron — or you're just a fan who'd like to enjoy the good times — here's a famous clip from Welcome Back Kotter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd4VkBcG2PQ — Andy Swift Follow @AndySwift [Deadline]

More Tragic Passings: Legendary Editor Helen Gurley Brown Dead At 90 Legendary Composer Marvin Hamlisch Dies At 68 Kitty Wells, Country Music's First Female Superstar,...

Ron Palillo—best known for playing the snickering, attention-starved Sweathog Arnold Horshack on Welcome Back, Kotter—has died following a heart attack. He was 63. As Horshack, Palillo turned being irritating into a comic artform, constantly petitioning Gabe Kaplan's teacher character with his signature "Ooooh! Ooooh!" (a parody of Joe E. Ross's exclamations from Car 54, Where Are You?, though arguably made more famous by Palillo). While Epstein—played by Robert Hegyes, who died in January—provided a touch of Marx Bros.-inspired zaniness to the goings-on at James Buchanan High, it was Horshack who was more explicitly ...

Arnold Horshack, you will be missed. Ron Palillo, who was best known for playing the loveable class clown opposite a young John Travolta's Vinny Barbarino in the classic '70s ABC sitcom, Welcome Back, Kotter, has died. He was 63. Palillo's agent, Jacqueline Stander, told NBC News that the actor had a heart attack and passed away in his sleep at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Palillo's goofy Arnold Dingfelder Horshack was a central member of the Sweathogs, a group of high school cutups taught by wisecracking teacher Gabe Kotter (Gabe Kaplan) at the fictional James Buchanan High in Brooklyn, N.Y. With his high-pitched squeal for a laugh, thick Brooklyn accent and child-like demeanor, the...

To the mainstream world he's best known as Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter," but to horror fans he'll always be Allen Hawes in Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI . Ron Palillo has passed away at age 63 from a heart attack.

Per TMZ, Palillo died this morning at his home near Palm Beach, Florida. He was found by his partner of many years, Joseph Gramm, around 4:00 Am. Gramm called an ambulance, and Palillo was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pilillo's other genre appearances include The Curse of Micah Rood, Trees 2: The Root of All Evil, and Hellgate.

Coincidentally, Palillo's "Kotter" co-star Robert Hegyes -- who played Epstein -- also passed away earlier this year after suffering a heart attack.

We here at Dread Central send our condolences to Ron's friends and family. "Ooh ooh ooh, Mr. Palillo!" You will be missed.

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Ron Palillo, who played Arnold Horshack on the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, passed away this morning from an apparent heart attack at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. He was 63 years old.

Palillo played goofball Horshack on the ABC series from 1975 to 1979 alongside Gabe Kaplan and a young John Travolta. Horshack's trademark was raising his hand excitedly in class and saying, "Ooh ooh ooooh!" when he thought he knew the answer to one of Mr. Kotter's...  More >>...

Ron Palillo, best known for his role as Arnold Horshack on the 1970s TV sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," has died, the Palm Beach Post reports. He was 63. He died at 4:30 a.m. at his Palm Beach Gardens home, a friend, Stacy Sacco, told the paper. Palillo had been teaching at the G-Star Academy, a Florida charter school. He previously taught at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, according to Corporate Artists, which employed him for speaking gigs.

Palillo played the Palillo played the goofy Horshack from 1975 to 1979 on "Kotter," which starred Gabe Kaplan as a hip but beleaguered teacher who presided over a classroom that also included a young John Travolta.

Ron Palillo, the boyish actor who played Arnold Horshack, the remedial-class loser on Welcome Back, Kotter, died Tuesday morning at his home near Palm Beach, Fla., TMZ reports. He was 63. He suffered an apparent heart attack and was found by his longtime companion, Joseph Gramm, according to the report. Rushed to the hospital, Palillo, a heavy smoker, was pronounced dead upon arrival. According to a 1977 People profile, Palillo's most-famous role cast him against type - he had been an overachiever from his childhood in Cheshire, Conn. His dad died when Ron, the youngest of four children, was 9. His mother managed...

Ron Palillo of "Welcome Back, Kotter" fame has died at 63.

According to TMZ, Palillo passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Palm Beach home Tuesday morning. Palillo was found by his partner of 41 years, retired actor Joseph Gramm, before being transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Palillo was "upbeat, fun, a great friend who loved theater, loved the fans and had a great sense of humor," the actor's agent, Scott Stander, told CNN.

Sources tell TMZ that the '70s TV star, who played Arnold Horshack on the popular sitcom, which starred John Travolta and Gabe Kaplan, was in good health and his death was unexpected.

Click over to TMZ for more details.

Ron Palillo, who played Horschack on Welcome Back, Kotter, has died. He was 63. Welcome Back Kotter ran from 1975-1979 on ABC. Palillo’s role as one of the high school gang known as the Sweathogs was as the goofball. The series starred Gabe Kaplan as Brooklyn teacher Gabe Kotter. John Travolta, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Robert Hegyes, who passed away earlier this year, played the other Sweathogs. After Kotter ended. Palillo performed on Broadway and did artwork for children’s books. The past few years, Palillo taught freshman drama at the G-Star School for the Arts for Motion Pictures and Broadcasting in Palm Beach, Fla.

Ron Palillo, whose nasally delivery made him one of the most memorable Sweathogs on the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, died last night in Palm Beach, Fla., suffering a heart attack in his sleep. He was 63.

Beginning in 1975, Palillo was one of the oddball students who tested Mr. Kotter for four seasons on the popular ABC show that also featured Gabe Kaplan and a young John Travolta. His character Arnold Dingfelder Horshack was always the first to raise his hand in class — “Ooo-ooo-oooooh!!” — and his wheezing staccato laugh was a punch line in itself.

In the 1980s, Palillo guested on several popular programs,...

Ron Palillo, who played oddball student Arnold Horshack in the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, died Tuesday morning at his home near Palm Beach, Fla., The Palm Beach Post reports. The newspaper cites confirmation from a friend of the actor, who was 63. Palillo was best known for his role as catchphrase-generating high school class clown Horshack -- one of the Sweathogs -- in Welcome Back, Kotter, which ran on ABC from 1975-79 and also starred John Travolta and Gabe Kaplan. His other TV credits include guest appearances on The Love Boat, Cagney & Lacey and The A-Team, as well

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Ron Palillo -- who was best known for playing the loud-mouthed high school student Arnold Horshack on the 1970s TV series Welcome Back, Kotter, has died at age 63.

Several sources reported that the actor passed away Tuesday morning at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

Stars Who Have Passed Away in 2011

Palillo had taught classes at the West Palm Beach charter school G-Star Academy as recently as 2009, according to the school's founder and CEO, Greg Hauptner. Prior to that, the actor lectured in colleges and high schools across the country. 

Welcome Back, Kotter starred Gabe Kaplan as a compassionate high school teacher who returned to his inner city neighborhood to teach a new generation of troubled kids -- one of whom was portrayed by John Travolta. ...

Ron Palillo -- the actor who played Horshack on "Welcome Back, Kotter" -- died this morning at his home near Palm Beach, Fl from an apparent heart attack ... this according to someone close to the actor.We're told Palillo was found by his partner of many years Joseph Gramm around 4:00 Am. Gramm called an ambulance and Palillo was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.We're told the heart attack was very unexpected.

Hit comedy show from the '70s, "Welcome Back, Kotter," is back in the spotlight after the sudden death of cast member, Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein, passed away on Thursday.

"Extra" takes a look at the show's memorable cast members... where are they now? Take a look!

The Cast of 'Welcome Back, Kotter': Where Are They Now?John Travolta

As the tough-talking Vinnie Barbarino, John Travolta has made a name for himself in...

Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on '70s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," died Thursday from an apparent heart attack. He was 60.

The actor, whose health had been steadily declining for the past two years, suffered chest pains at his New Jersey home before going into full cardiac arrest. He died at JFK Medical Center in Edison.

Hegyes is best remembered for his role on "Kotter" as the Jewish/Puerto Rican wisecracking student, Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein,...

This news is hard to process, but Robert Hegyes, who starred in my favorite '70s hit comedy that was never missed in my home, "Welcome Back Kotter," has died. The classic TV show featured the antics of a group of less-than-stellar New York city high school kids, starring Hegyes, John Travolta, Ron Palillo, Gabe Kaplan and Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs. Hegyes portrayed Epstein, aka Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein, the Jewish Puerto Rican fast-talker with a heart of gold. Hegyes died from an apparent heart attack after suffering chest pains at his Metuchen home. He was 60. The group, known as the Sweathogs, reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to recognize the show's 35th anniversary. On...

Everett “Welcome Back Koter” cast, clockwise from top left, Ron Palillo, Robert Hegyes, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Gabe Kaplan, John Travolta, 1975-79.

“Welcome Back Kotter” star Robert Hegyes dies; “Let’s Stay Together” sales boosted by Obama…

“Welcome Back Kotter” Star Dies: Robert Hegyes, known for his role as Juan Epstein on “Welcome Back Kotter,” has passed away at the age of 60. According to Reuters, Hegyes was in cardiac arrest when paramedics took the sitcom star to the hospital. The actor would...

Actor Robert Hegyes, best known for playing Sweathog Juan Epstein on Welcome Back, Kotter, has died. The Star-Ledger reports he suffered an apparent heart attack at his New Jersey home earlier this morning. He was 60 years old.

Hegyes played Epstein on ABC's hit sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter for all four seasons, starring alongside Gabe Kaplan, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Ron Palillo, and John Travolta.

The actor said that he modeled the "Juan Luis Pedro Philippo DeHuevos Epstein" character after Chico Marx, whom he later played in a national touring production of A Night With Groucho. Most of the Kotter cast reunited at last year's TV Land Awards to celebrate the sitcom's 35th anniversary.

Hegyes also co-starred on Cagney & Lacey as Detective Manny Esposito and guest-starred on other beloved shows like The Love Boat, NewsRadio, Diagnosis Murder, The...

Over the weekend, the cast of Welcome Back, Kotter reunited for the annual TV Land Awards -- Gabe Kaplan ("Mr. Kotter"), John Travolta ("Vinnie Barbarino"), Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs ("Freddie 'Boom Boom' Washington"), Robert Hegyes ("Juan Epstein"), and Marcia Strassman ("Julie Kotter").

Ron Palillo ("Arnold Horshack"), who's attended the ceremony in the past when it was held in Los Angeles, was scheduled to appear but was apparently not feeling well. Ellen Travolta, John's sister, who occasionally played Horshack's mother, was on hand.

Good Morning America and Access Hollywood took advantage of the occasion to interview the former castmates. You can watch that below and can see the on-stage reunion this Sunday night on TV Land.

What do...

As but a supplement to the awesome features and original reporting TVLine has coming your way this week, here are 29 shows you might want to keep on your radar.

Monday, April 11

8/7c | House (Fox) | While House delves into Thirteen’s prison secret during a road trip, the team back home treats a hoarder with a secret (and his secret has a secret!).

8 pm | Chuck (NBC) | Chuck tries to save Vivian from an assassin; Mary tries to keep Ellie from digging into her father’s past.

8 pm | The Secret Life of the American Teenager (ABC Family) | Ben pops the question. (Shouldn...

Either TV Land’s audience is getting younger or we’re getting older. (Don’t answer that.) The network has announced that the cast of The Facts of Life will reunite next month for the first time in 20 years to accept the Pop Culture Award at the 2011 TV Land Awards. That’s Mindy Cohn (Natalie), Kim Fields (Tootie), Nancy McKeon (Jo), Lisa Whelchel (Blair), and Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett). George Clooney is curiously left off the announcement. I’m hoping for at least a taped message.

What facts of life did you glean from the show? For me, it was...

The Sweathogs will be back in primetime next month. Some of them, anyway.

TV Land will honor the 1970s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" at this year's TV Land Awards, and its most famous cast member, John Travolta, will be on hand to accept the 35th Anniversary Award. He'll be joined by co-stars Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Freddie), Ron Palillo (Horshack) and Marcia Strassman (Julie Kotter).

Missing from the cast -- at least for now -- are series star and co-creator Gabe Kaplan, and Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein. TV Land does say that "more cast members" will be announced later.

Kaplan, incidentally, has carved out a nice post-comedy career as a poker player. He's won more than $1 million over the years at various poker events, and until recently he was the host of "High Stakes Poker" on Gsn.

The TV Land Awards are scheduled to tape on April 10 in New York...

As part of the upcoming TV Land Awards, TV Land will be reuniting members of the cast of Welcome Back, Kotter. The ABC sitcom was a huge success and in its early years helped launch the career of John Travolta.

At this point, the reunion will include Travolta ("Vinnie Barbarino"), Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs ("Freddie 'Boom Boom' Washington"), Ron Palillo ("Arnold Horshack"), and Marcia Strassman ("Julie Kotter"). Other participants are still being added so hopefully that means that Gabe Kaplan ("Mr. Kotter") and Robert Hegyes ("Juan Epstein") will also take part.

I believe the last time there was a Welcome Back, Kotter reunion was as part of ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration. For the 2003 event, Kaplan, Travolta, Hilton-Jacobs, Palillo, Hegyes, and Strassman all reunited on-stage. Travolta even briefly reprised his popular character for some shtick with Kaplan.

Here' the press release about the...

John Travolta will reunite with the cast of his beloved 1970s sitcom, "Welcome Back, Kotter," at the TV Land Awards 2011.

John, along with former "Kotter" co-stars Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Ron Palillo and Marcia Strassman, will reassemble in New York City to accept the 35th Anniversary Award at this year's TV Land Awards for their work on the hit 70s series.

"Welcome Back, Kotter" ran for five seasons and revolved around an inner-city high school teacher, Mr. Kotter, played by Gabe Kaplan, who returns to his alma mater to teach a new generation of under-achieving misfits nicknamed the "Sweathogs."

Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Welcome Back, Kotter will receive the 35th Anniversary Award at the 2011 TV Land Awards, which tape April 10 and air April 17. John Travolta will reunite with his fellow cast members to accept the honor. (“What?…Where?”) As of now, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington), Ron Palillo (Arnold Horshack) and Marcia Strassman (Mr. Kotter’s wife, Julie) are confirmed to join Vinnie Barbarino. Other names will be announced.

Previously announced 2011 honorees include Regis Philbin (Legend Award), Family Ties (Fan Favorite Award) and The Cosby Show (Impact Award). Welcome Back, Kotter starred comic Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, a man who returns...

He's Vinnie Barbarino. Again!

John Travolta will revive his classic "Welcome Back, Kotter" role in a cast reunion at the TV Land Awards, airing April 17th. TV Guide reports that he'll be joined by fellow Sweathogs Ron Palillo (Arnold Horseshack), Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Freddie Washington), and Marcia Strassman (Mrs. Kotter), and the site says that they're working on securing teacher and leader, Gabe Kaplan.

Also at the Awards will be the casts of "The Cosby Show" and "Family Ties," making it a 70's and 80's bonanza.

Wonder if Travolta will have to change up his hair piece in order to make a more realistic appearance?

As for his current career, Travolta is set to star as mobster John Gotti in an upcoming film with Clint Eastwood.

For more, click over to TV Guide.

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John Travolta is to reunite with his Welcome Back, Kotter co-stars at the annual TV Land Awards in April.

The Grease star kickstarted his career in the high-school sitcom, playing dumb student Vinnie Barbarino, before finding fame on the big screen, and now he's heading back to class at the TV Land Awards in New York, when he will meet up with his former colleagues Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Ron Palillo and Marcia Strassman.

The comedy show will celebrate its 35th anniversary at the gala.

This year's awards take place at New York's Javits Center. Other honourees include beloved TV personality Regis Philbin (Legend Award), sitcom Family Ties (Fan Favorite Award) and The Cosby Show (Impact Award).

John Travolta will reunite with the cast of Welcome Back, Kotter at the TV Land Awards 2011 where the 1970s sitcom will receive the 35th Anniversary Award. Welcome Back, Kotter, which ran from 1975-1979, revolved around an inner-city high school teacher, Mr. Kotter (Gabe Kaplan) who returns to his alma mater to teach a new generation of under-achieving misfits nicknamed the “Sweathogs.” No word yet if Kaplan, on whose real-life experiences the comedy was based, will be at the reunion, but scheduled to appear with Travolta are co-stars Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Ron Palillo and Marcia Strassman. Previously announced honorees at this year's TV Land Awards include Regis Philbin (Legend Award), Family Ties (Fan Favorite Award) and The Cosby Show (Impact Award).