'America has lost a Sweathog': 'Kotter' star dies
Robert Hegyes, the New Jersey native best known for playing Juan Epstein on the '70s sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter," has died of a heart attack, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. He was 60.
After four years opposite John Travolta as a fellow Sweathog on the successful show, Hegyes also went on to star in "Cagney and Lacey," "The Love Boat" and "CHiPs." With the news of Hegyes' death, condolences and outpourings of sadness swept Twitter. "Sad ... 'Epstein' from Welcome Back Kotter has died," tweeted Dan Abrams. "R.I.P. Robert Hegyes.
An icon from childhood days," @JoshMalina added. Hegyes, along with most of the "Kotter" cast reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to mark the show's 35th anniversary.
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Mike Gallagher
Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.
