Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on one of my favorite '70s TV shows, died yesterday of an apparent heart attack. He was only 60 years old. His brother said he had suffered a heart attack in the last few years, and was not in good health.

Fans of  "Welcome Back Kotter" will recall Epstein as the "Puerto Rican Jew" member of the Sweathogs who was known for bringing in forged notes excusing him from class that were, quote, "Signed Epstein's mother." What you may not have known was his character's full name: Juan Luis Pedro Felipo de Huevos Epstein. That still cracks me up.

Just last year shaggy, white-haired Hegyes reunited with " Vinnie Barbarino", "Freddie Boom Boom Washington", "Horseshack", and the rest of the cast at the "TV Land Awards," and on "Good Morning America" the following morning. Video of that reunion and a classic "Kotter" moment are below.

'Welcome Back Kotter" The Sweathog Debate Team

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