According to The Hollywood Reporter, actor Robert Hegyes, star of the long-running ABC series 'Welcome Back Kotter' has died at the age of 60. The actor was reportedly brought to JFK Medical Center in Edison NJ on Thursday and later passed away from cardiac arrest.
Hegyes portrayed 'Sweathog' Juan Epstein on the popular 1970's TV show, a unique character who described himself as Jewish Puerto Rican'. 'Welcome Back Kotter' was based on the comedy of Gabe Kaplan, who played teacher 'Mr. Kotter' on the series. The show depicted students in an inner-city New York high school who were referred to as 'Sweathogs'. The cast included John Travolta as fellow student Vinnie Barbarino.
In addition to his role on 'Kotter', the actor made appearances on TV shows Cagney & Lacey, CHiPs, Diagnosis Murder, The Drew Carey Show and Lewis & Clark.
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