epstein from welcome back, kotter dies

First published on January 27, 2012 / 2:29 PM. Robert "Bobby" Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epstein on "Welcome Back Kotter," died in his Metuchen, N.J. home today.. Hegyes, who also co-starred on "Cagney and Lacey" and taught occasional master classes at his alma mater, Rowan University, was best known for his work on "Kotter," in which he performed alongside a young John Travolta as one of the tough remedial students known at the Sweathogs. Hegyes' brother told New Jersey's Star-Ledger that Hegyes, who also starred on "Cagney and Lacey," had suffered a heart attack a few years ago and was in poor health. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. He attended Rowan University, formerly Glassboro State College, in southern New Jersey, before heading to New York City after graduation. Robert "Bobby" Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epstein on "Welcome Back Kotter," died in his Metuchen, N.J. home today. Welcome Back Kotter actor Robert Hegyes, who played Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the television show, has died at 60, the Associated Press reports. The Palm Beach Post reports that Ron Palillo, who . Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). Welcome Back Kotter actor Robert Hegyes, who played Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the television show, has died at 60, the Associated Press reports. Jan. 27, 2012 12 AM PT. 2023 E! Robert Hegyes (neither a Jew nor a Puerto Rican, which tells you what a good actor he was), who played Juan Luis Pedro Felipo de Huevos Epstein, the Puerto Rican Jew on Welcome Back, Kotter, died on Thursday at the age of 60. Just as blacks and Latinos found themselves blessed with a spate of characters, Jews too were given a chance to shine on the small screen. Police responded to a call for assistance at his home this morning. Epstein paints a mural of a nude woman on the wall of the school, using the image of Julie Kotter as his inspiration. "The Goodbye Guy" introduces Georganne LaPiere as Kelly Woodman, Principal Woodman's niece, caught babysitting for the Kotters by an enraptured Epstein. He returned to Rowan on several occasions to teach master classes in acting, a university spokesman said Thursday. Hegyes appeared on Cagney & Lacey from 1986 to 1988, and continued to work steadily in television. The show's theme song, performed by John Sebastian, became a pop hit. He was one of the kids equally at home on the gridiron and in the footlights. The actor had suffered a previous heart attack in recent years. He was 60. He was 60. Mr. Hegyes had been cast in Dont Call Back, a short-lived Broadway drama starring Arlene Francis and directed by Len Cariou, when he auditioned for Welcome Back, Kotter. He originally read for the role of the monosyllabic Barbarino but was ultimately hired to play Epstein. Mr. Woodman's niece, Kelly, babysits for the Kotters one night when Epstein comes by looking for Mr. Kotter. And Epstein, of course, was a Puerto Rican Jew with anywhere from nine to seven siblings, depending on the episode. Born in 1951 in the town of Perth Amboy, Hegyes grew up the oldest child of a Hungarian father and Italian mother in Metuchen, NJ. Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein, the Sweathog voted Most Likely to Take a Life, on the 1970s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," died on Thursday in Edison, N.J. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. As he told interviewers afterward, he had a reputation for accepting no absence excuses of any kind. He finds Kelly instead, they become acquainted, and they eventually move in together, to Mr. Woodman's horror. Resize "Welcome Back Kotter" star Robert Hegyes dies; "Let's Stay Together" sales boosted by . Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on '70s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter, died Thursday, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. Robert "Bobby" Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epstein on "Welcome Back Kotter," died in his Metuchen, N.J. home today. Earlier this year, Bobby Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on "Welcome Back Kotter," passed away. He finds Kelly instead, they become acquainted, and they eventually move in toget Mr. Woodman's niece, Kelly, babysits for the Kotters one night when Epstein comes by looking for Mr. Kotter. He was 60. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Star-Ledger staff writer Tom Haydon contributed to this report. Peter Loewy, who runs the Forum Theatre Arts Center in Metuchen, says he planned to work with Hegyes on a one-man show a year or so ago, but Hegyes' health problems -- he needed a hip replacement, among other things -- put it on hold indefinitely. Nothing is certain in their final scene in the schoolyard, but she made one return appearance in the very last episode, "The Bread Winners." Set in Brooklyn, Kotter was played by native Brooklynite Gabe Kaplan. Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Luis Pedro Philippo DeHuevos Epstein on 1970s hit "Welcome Back, Kotter," has died at 60.A spokesman at JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J., told the Star-Ledger . His nickname: Chico. (Mr. Hegyes said he modeled Epstein on Chico Marx.). ", Welcome Back Kotter Robert Hegyes - P 2012. He was 60. He finds Kelly instead, they become acquainted, and they eventually move in toget Read allMr. Woodman's niece, Kelly, babysits for the Kotters one night when Epstein comes by looking for Mr. Kotter. With Gabe Kaplan, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White, Robert Hegyes. After The Goldbergs (1949-1956) went off the air, TV became a bit of a black hole for Jewish characters. Information on survivors could not be confirmed. Perpetually scheming and always ready with a self-written note signed "Epstein's Mother" to explain his school absences, Epstein stood out among a group of characters that included the super-cocky womanizer Vinnie Barabarino (played by a young John Travolta) and hip but beleaguered high-school teacher Gabe Kotter (played by Gabe Kaplan). Robert Hegyes, the New Jersey-born actor who played Jewish Puerto-Rican wheeler-dealer Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein on the 1970s classic "Welcome Back Kotter," died after an apparent heart attack in his Metuchen, N.J., home Thursday morning. Robert Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epstein on Welcome Back, Kotter, died Thursday from an apparent heart attack . All Rights Reserved. Once again both Kotter and Barbarino are absent. ", He continued to act after that show and "Cagney and Lacey," appearing on "NewsRadio," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Drew Carey Show.". Hegyes leaves behind three siblings, two children, Cassie and Mack, and two step-children, Sophia and Alex. Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. The report says "heart attack," but we suspect that it was the fear that the Ice Cube remake of Welcome Back, Kotter might still be made. . "He was a gentle guy," Loewy remembers. In general I was able to relate to them culturally as well. "He was a good friend to the university," spokesman Joe Cardona said. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. He was 60. He also appeared in the movie Bob Roberts opposite Tim Robbins, taught acting and wrote screenplays. Jan. 27, 2012 Facebook Twitter Email Comments In this 1978 file photo, Robert Hegyes portrays Juan Epstein from the comedy series "Welcome Back Kotter." The actor best known for playing the Jewish Puerto Rican student on the 1970s TV show has died. Robert Hegyes, the Jersey-born actor who played Jewish Puerto Rican wheeler-dealer Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein on the 1970s classic "Welcome Back Kotter," died from an apparent heart attack after suffering chest pains at his Metuchen home this morning. E18 All episodes Cast & crew User reviews IMDbPro Dr. Epstein, I Presume Episode aired Jan 29, 1976 TV-PG 30m IMDb RATING 6.9 /10 64 YOUR RATING Rate Comedy Epstein goes to the guidance counselor to talk about being a veterinarian. Were we wrong about 'Terminator 3'? Palillo's agent, Scott Stander, tells CNN . He also guest-starred in shows including "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Drew Carey Show.". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Hegyes later appeared in other TV shows, including Cagney & Lacey. He finds Kelly instead, they become acquainted, and they eventually move in together, to Mr. Woodman's horror. He was 60. All Rights Reserved. The theme song, written and sung by John Sebastian, was a No. Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on '70s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter, died Thursday, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. In later years he acted in regional theater and had guest roles on shows including CHiPs, L.A. Hegyes, who died of an apparent heart attack after. Following "Kotter" and "Cagney & Lacey," he continued to act on television, mostly in guest-starring roles including "NewsRadio," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Drew Carey Show," and made occasional films, including "Bob Roberts" with Tim Robbins. He also had stints on CHiPs, Diagnosis Murder, The Drew Carey Show and Lewis & Clark. He finds Kelly instead, they become acquainted, and they eventually move in together, to Mr. Woodman's horror.Mr. METUCHEN, N.J. - Robert Hegyes, the actor best known for playing Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the 1970s TV show "Welcome Back Kotter" has died. Hegyes' brother told New Jersey's. Rowan professor directs final play before his retirement. He was 60. Read also: 'M*A*S*H' Star Harry Morgan Dies at 96. Links for a $5 Fee to Panhandle at Chabad World Headquarters. Robert Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epsteinone of Gabe Kaplan 's "star" pupilsin Welcome Back, Kotter, died this morning after an apparent heart attack, according to New Jersey's. He was born in Perth Amboy and grew up in Metuchen, the eldest child of a Hungarian father and Italian mother. As portrayed by Mr. Hegyes, the character was equal parts West Side Story tough and Sergeant Bilko trickster. See production, box office & company info, ABC Television Center - 4151 Prospect Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA. Weitere Informationen darber, wie wir Ihre personenbezogenen Daten nutzen, finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein . Actor Ron Palillo, who played class clown Arnold Horshack on the 1970s television comedy "Welcome Back, Kotter," has died at age 63, his agent said Tuesday. Jewdar has a sneaking suspicion Epstein was really just a Jew, but adopted the Puerto Rican thing to seem tougher. Woodman's niece, Kelly, babysits for the Kotters one night when Epstein comes by looking for Mr. Kotter. January 27, 2012 / 2:29 PM They included the character Vinnie Barbarino, played by John Travolta. As we noted earlier this year after the death of Robert Hegyes (Juan Epstein) Kotter was one of those 1970s shows that gave full range to the possibilities of racial and []. The Flynn & Son Funeral Home in . It stars Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, the teacher of a remedial class at his alma mater,. METUCHEN, N.J. - Robert Hegyes, the actor best known for playing Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the 1970s TV show "Welcome Back Kotter" has died. They found Hegyes suffering from chest pains; he was taken to a hospital in Edison, N. J., but by the time he reached the emergency room, he went into full cardiac arrest and died, a hospital spokesman told the paper. He graduated from Rowan University (then Glassboro State College) with a bachelor's degree in speech/theater and secondary education -- Rowan spokesman Joe Cardona called him a "great friend" of the school, noting that he sported a Rowan shirt while co-starring as Det. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He was the cousin of rock musician Jon Bon Jovi . ", He continued to act after that show and "Cagney and Lacey," appearing on "NewsRadio," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Drew Carey Show.". Hegyes, who died of an apparent heart attack after suffering chest . Mr. Woodman's niece, Kelly, babysits for the Kotters one night when Epstein comes by looking for Mr. Kotter. He was 60. A spokesman at JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J., told the Star-Ledger newspaper that Hegyes, of Metuchen, arrived at the hospital Thursday morning in full cardiac arrest and died. All rights reserved (About Us). He was 60. He, along with almost all the original cast members of Welcome Back Kotter, reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to mark the show's 35th anniversary. Born in New Jersey, Hegyes went to New York after college, where he performed off-Broadway before landing his breakthrough role on Kotter alongsideyou may know himJohn Travolta, who played head Sweathog Vinnie Barbarino. Robert Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epsteinone of Gabe Kaplan's "star" pupilsin Welcome Back, Kotter, died this morning after an apparent heart attack, according to New Jersey's Star Ledger. By . Welcome Back, Kotter S1. The pros and cons of the last successful entry in the Arnold Schwarzenegger franchise. ABC | Getty Images Robert "Bobby" Hegyes, best known for playing Juan Epstein on "Welcome Back Kotter," died in his Metuchen, N.J. home today. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking news? Robert Hegyes Dies; Goodbye Juan Epstein. He. The cause. nice article, had no idea Robert had neither P.R. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 'Welcome Back, Kotter' television star Robert Hegyes died Thursday, giving millions of Americans pause to reflect back in time to 1975, when Epstein, Vinnie Barbarino and the other. He was 60. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our, Vicki Hyman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Rowan professor directs final play before his retirement. Hegyes was 60. The report says heart attack, but we suspect that it was the fear that the Ice Cube remake of Welcome Back, Kotter might still be made. The Flynn & Son Funeral Home in Fords, N.J., said it was informed of Hegyes' death Thursday by the actor's family. Robert Hegyes, an actor best known for his role as Juan Epstein on the 1970s hit sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter," died in New Jersey at the age of 60. Hegyes, who died of an apparent heart attack after. They were immigrant Jews and I was an immigrant Italian.". She says he is not smart enough and he should look for a career in manual labor. Most episodes featured semitic jokes about Kotters various relatives. He finds Kelly instead, they become acquainted, and they eventually move in together, to Mr. Woodman's horror. Robert Hegyes, best known for playing the diminutive tough guy Epstein on Welcome Back Kotter, has died of a heart attack, according to the Associated Press. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Broadcast on ABC from 1975 to 1979, Welcome Back, Kotter starred Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, who returns to teach at his gritty alma mater, the fictional James Buchanan High in Brooklyn. Welcome Back, Kotter is an American sitcom starring Gabe Kaplan as a high-school teacher in charge of a racially and ethnically diverse remedial education class called the "Sweathogs." Recorded in front of a live studio audience, the series aired on ABC from September 9, 1975, through May 17, 1979. Hegyes' brother told New Jersey's Star-Ledger that Hegyes . Kotter recognizes Epstein's paper as one he himself had handed in years ago. Police responded to a call for assistance at his home this morning. 1 hit in 1976. 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", Hegyes was retired but still talked about directing and getting more involved in local arts efforts, Mark Hegyes said. On his website, Hegyes wrote that he modeled the swaggering, skirt-chasing Epstein after Chico Marx, whom he played in a national touring production of "A Night With Groucho." He also appeared with most of the original "Kotter" cast members for a reunion at the TV Land Awards last year, as a commemoration for the series' 35th anniversary. Last year, Hegyes, second from left, and other cast members of "Welcome Back, Kotter," (from left, Marcia Strassman, Robert Hegyes, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, John Travolta, Ellen Travolta and Gabe Kaplan ) accepted the 35th Anniversary Award at the 9th Annual TV Land Awards. A version of this article appears in print on, Robert Hegyes, a Sweathog on Kotter, Dies at 60, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/arts/television/robert-hegyes-60-of-welcome-back-kotter-is-dead.html, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, left, John Travolta, Robert Hegyes, Ron Palillo and Gabriel Kaplan on Welcome Back, Kotter., immense Afro, capacious even by 70s standards. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Our newsletter is a mishmosh of culture, religion, and crack cocaine. The Palm Beach Post writes that a friend of Palillo's, Stacy Sacco, says he passed away this morning. Actor Robert Hegyes, best known for playing Sweathog Juan Epstein on Welcome Back, Kotter, has died. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. / AP. A New Jersey native, Hegyes. He confesses his longtime dream to her and finds only ridicule. 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The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Lyneka Little. Jan. 27, 2012 7:53 am ET. Hegyes got his big break on Kotter, a 1970s TV series about a teacher who returned to an inner-city New York school he went to as a child to teach students often referred to as Sweathogs. The cast included John Travolta, who played Vinnie Barbarino. Hegyes was appearing on Broadway in 1975 when he auditioned for "Kotter," a TV series about a teacher who returns to the inner-city New York school of his youth to teach a group of irreverent remedial students nicknamed the "Sweathogs." Hegyes wrote in a note on his website that he modeled the character of the scheming half-Jewish, half-Puerto Rican Epstein on Chico Marx, noting that all the Marx Brothers were both "intellectuals" and "juvenile delinquents," adding, "I could definitely relate. Actor Ron Palillo, best known as Arnold Horshack. He, along with almost all the original cast members of Welcome Back Kotter, reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to mark the show's 35th anniversary. He also taught at Brooks College of Long Beach, Calif., and wrote screenplays. All Rights Reserved. Esposito on "Cagney and Lacey" -- and quickly found work in New York, co-starring Off-Broadway in "Naomi Court" and in the Broadway drama "Don't Call Back." One of our Sweathogs really is missing now. The Goodbye Guy: Directed by Norman Abbott. Hegyes also appeared on many other TV series, including "Cagney & Lacey.". In 1975, Hegyes was cast on. By the time he arrived at the emergency room at 9:40 a.m., he was in full cardiac arrest and died, according to hospital spokesman Steven Weiss. Your email address will not be published. Hegyes continued to act after "Kotter" and was a regular on "Cagney & Lacey." Epstein's Madonna: Directed by Bob Claver. Now, another member of the Sweathogs is gone. First came Rhoda (1974-1978) and Barney Miller (1974-1982), perhaps the first shows since The Goldbergs to be named for Jews, but without question, the show with the highest JQ (thats Jew Quotent) was Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979). All rights reserved. 4 Seasons ABC Family, Comedy Watchlist An Emmy-nominated hit about a high-school teacher who returns to his Brooklyn alma mater, James Buchanan High, and is saddled with a class of misfits known as. Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on '70s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter, died Thursday, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. Robert Hegyes, an actor whose Jewish-Puerto Rican character Juan Epstein was one of the Sweathogs on the 1970s TV sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," died Thursday of a . Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023. PHOTOS: Hollywoods Notable Deaths of 2011. Hegyes, who was divorced at the time of his death, was married three times. He was a big fan of the Marx Brothers: "They were immigrant Jews, and I was an immigrant Italian. The son of a Hungarian-American father and an Italian-American mother, Robert Hegyes was born in 1951 in Perth Amboy, N.J. Mr. Hegyes, who lived most recently in Metuchen, N.J., was married and divorced several times. With fitting symmetry, Mr. Hegyes also taught for several years at Venice High School in California. "He always had these great schemes," his brother said, "but last week he said I'm not going to do that anymore.". Hegyes' brother told New Jersey's Star-Ledger that Hegyes, who also starred on "Cagney and Lacey," had suffered a heart attack a few years ago and was in poor health. He . Jeff Conaway, 'Grease' Star Who Struggled With Addictions, Dies at 60, Joe Paterno, Former Penn State Football Coach, Dies, Debbie Gibson on unrealized 'Star Search' dreams and bogus teen-idol rivalries: 'I just have to take a moment to say Tiffany's voice is un-freakin'-believable'. Hegyes' last listed acting role on IMDB is in the film "Hip, Edgy, Sexy, Cool" in 2002. Robert Bruce Hegyes (pronounced Hedyesh; May 7, 1951 - January 26, 2012) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of high school student Juan Epstein on the 1970s American sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter and as detective Manny Esposito on the 1980s American crime drama Cagney & Lacey. Hegyes had not been in good health for the past two years, his brother Mark Hegyes told the paper. He earned a bachelors degree in speech, theater and dance from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in Glassboro, N.J., before moving to New York to start his acting career. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Someone get Mr. Kotter a box of tissues. The Tel Aviv-born, Milwaukee-bred Jewdar has a bachelors' from the University of Wisconsin, a Masters from NYU, and an Honorable Discharge from the US Army, where he spent two years as an infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division. Welcome Back Kotter actor Robert Hegyes, who played Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the television show, has died at 60, the Associated Press reports. I hope Ice Cube never gets the chance to ruin another franchise, especially Kotter. Hegyes, whose father was Hungarian-American and whose mother was Italian-American, was born in Perth Amboy and grew up in Metuchen. The funeral will take place during the evening visiting hours. Share. He also appeared in the movie Bob Roberts opposite Tim Robbins, taught acting and wrote screenplays. Gabe KaplanJuan EpsteinRobert HegyesRobert Hegyes deadSweathogsWelcome Back Kotter. METUCHEN, N.J. (AP) -- Robert Hegyes, the actor best known for playing Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the 1970s TV show "Welcome Back Kotter" has died. Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein, the Sweathog voted Most Likely to Take a Life, on the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, died on Thursday in Edison, N.J. Please enter valid email address to continue. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. In the first episode, Kotter asks Oh, your fathers Jewish, and Epstein tells him its his mother.

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