Hit comedy show from the '70s, "Welcome Back, Kotter," is back in the spotlight after the sudden death of cast member, Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein, passed away on Thursday.
"Extra" takes a look at the show's memorable cast members... where are they now? Take a look!
The Cast of 'Welcome Back, Kotter': Where Are They Now?
As the tough-talking Vinnie Barbarino, John Travolta has made a name for himself in Hollywood with such films as "Saturday Night Fever," "Pulp Fiction," and "Face Off."Travolta continues to make movies, and will star in three upcoming films, including, "Savages," "Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father" and "Killing Season."The actor and his wife, Kelly Preston, had a son, Benjamin, in 2010.
Ron Palillo played lovable nerd, Arnold Dingelder Horshack.Since the show, Palillo has acted on Broadway and has starred in family comedy, "The Guardians." Palillo has also illustrated two children's books.Ron lives in Florida and works as a college drama teacher.
Gabe Kaplan starred as the wise-cracking teacher, Gabe Kotter, who led a class of slackers known as the Sweathogs."Welcome Back, Kotter" was based on Kaplan's real high school experience.Since the show, Kaplan has become a financial advisor and a professional poker player. He occasionally does stand-up and sometimes works as a commentator for poker events.(Pictured: Gabe Kaplan and Marcia Strassman)
Marcia Strassman played Gabe's wife, Julie Kotter. Since then, she's worked on multiple TV shows, including "M*A*S*H" and 1989 movie, "Honey I Shrunk the Kids."
After portraying Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs has starred in small TV roles, including 1982 hit series, "Fame," and comedy sitcoms like "Moesha" and "That's So Raven."While his role as Freddie was probably his most recognizable, Hilton-Jacobs also writes, directs and composes music.
As southern high school student, Beau De Labarre, Stephen Shortridge was introduced as a regular character in the fourth and final season.After his "Kotter" days, Shortridge starred on several hit '80s TV shows, including "The Love Boat" and "St. Elsewhere." He also had a small part in romantic comedy, "Say Anything," alongside John Cusack.Stephen quit acting in the '80s to focus on painting.He currently resides in Idaho with his wife and kids and continues to paint. Shortridge has gallery showings across the U.S.
