'Welcome Back, Kotter': Robert Hegyes' 'Epstein' helped alter TV

"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 "Sweathogs" ruled. The plot for "Welcome Back, Kotter" might sound a

(AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File) FILE – 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. He was 60.

Robert Hegyes, who played Epstein on Welcome Back Kotter Star, has passed away. He was 60.

The actor best known for playing Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the 1970s TV show Welcome Back Kotter has died. The Flynn & Son Funeral Home in Fords, N.J., says it was informed of Robert Hegyes' death

Robert Hegyes, who played Epstein on Welcome Back Kotter Star, has passed away. He was 60.