Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and pro poker player and commentator Gabe Kaplan - the star of '70s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" -- brings his stand-up act to the Suncoast Showroom, September 7 and 8.
Kaplan, originally eyeing a professional baseball career, got his break as a stand-up comedian on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" - opening the door for him to book regular appearances on variety shows such as "The Merv Griffin Show," "The Mike Douglas Show" and "The Sonny and Cher Show." Kaplan is probably best-known for co-creating and starring as the title character in the popular sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," which aired on ABC from 1975 to 1979. Kaplan was also the "ABC Team Captain" in several "Battle of the Network Stars" specials, and appeared in guest roles on "Murder, She Wrote," "The Love Boat," "Police Story," among other programs. Kaplan also served as commentator or participant on "Poker After Dark," "World Poker Tour" and co-host on "High Stakes Poker" on GSN. Film credits include: "Fast Break," "Tulips" and "Nobody's Perfekt." He has also appeared as Groucho Marx in the stage production "Groucho," which was also filmed for HBO, and the Broadway comedy "Doubles."Videos