Robert Hegyes, best known for his role as Juan Epstein in the 70s classic “Welcome Back, Kotter,” has died after suffering from an apparent heart attack, the Star Ledger reported. He was 60.   

The Jersey-born “Welcome Back, Kotter” star had complained of chest pains on Thursday, but by the time emergency services had reached his home in Metuchen, he had gone into cardiac arrest.

Hegyes has not been in good health since he suffered from a heart attack two years ago, his brother Mark Hegyes told the Star Ledger.

Hegyes also co-stared in “Cagney and Lacey,” but is best known for starring alongside John Travolta as a Jewish Puerto Rican student in a remedial class of students known as the “Sweathogs.” Epstein’s infamous catchphrase was, “Hey, Mr. Kotter, I got a note!” 

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Other “Kotter” stars Ron Palillo, Gabe Kaplam and Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs reunited with Hegyes and Travolta in the TV Land Awards last year to celebrate the show’s 35th anniversary.

Hegyes was a Rowan University graduate, where he occasionally taught master classes, according to the Star Ledger. He was retired, but spoke about directing projects and getting more involved with local arts. His last acting role was in the 2002 film, “Hip, Edgy, Sexy, and Cool.”

Peter Loewy, who runs the Forum Theatre Arts Center in Metuchen, told the Star Ledger that he planned to work with Hegyes on a show a year or so ago, but Hegyes’ health condition did not permit the show to go ahead.

“He was a gentle guy,” Loewy said. “He had, ironically, a big heart.”

Darth Vader, Gungan Leader Boss Nass, Senator Palpatine, Young Ani (Anakin Skywalker), Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn, Battle Droid, Jar Jar Binks, Jabba the Hutt, Sith Lord Darth Maul, Master Yoda….miniature ‘Star Wars’ dolls seen on display in a very unlikely place….L.A. Chinatown. (Best viewed large!)

Affectionately known as the evergreen actor of Indian movie industry, Dev Anand is one talented actor who stole the hearts of a lot of people. Not only was he the king in the field of acting, but he was also film producer and director. He is from Gurdaspur District and has the notable film makers Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand as his siblings. Mother of the renowned international director Shekar Kapur, Sheel Kanta Kapur, is his sister.

His contribution, love and commitment towards Indian cinema made the Indian Government honor him with the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He worked at the military office before he started acting. He entered film industry with Hum Ek Hain. But, his first break came through the movie, Ziddi. In this commercially hit film, he starred with Kamini Kaushal.

After the success of this movie, Dev Anand became a producer in the year 1949; he launched Navketan, his own company.

By choosing Guru Dutt as the captain of the ship for the film Baazi, he took the right decision, which lead to the success of the film. Taxi Driver, released in the year 1952, was a major hit. He got married to Kalpana Kartik, with whom he worked with in this film.

His special way of saying the dialogue, while constantly shaking his head, became a favorite among his followers. His career began to grow through the 1950′s with films such as Insaniyat and Kala Pani. His performance in the second film, fetched Dev Anand the Best Actor Award. Six movies became smash hits in which he acted opposite to Suraiya.

Guide was his first movie made in color and he was cast opposite to Waheeda Rehman. The film was taken from famous writer R K Narayan’s novel. Dev Anand got good reviews for this film because he played a character that moves through various emotions such as greed, romance, humor and salvation.

He reunited with his sibling Vijay Anand to direct a film named Jewel Thief, which showed some of the most beautiful actresses like Vyjanthimala, Helen, Tanuja, Anju Mahendru and Faryal. Johnny Mera Naam, which also was a result of their reunification, was a great success. His directorial debut Hare Rama Hare Krishna saw the rising of Zeenat Aman, a sensational actress. Yet another actress who was introduced by him was Tina Munim.