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Gay actor Ron Palillo – Horshack on ‘Kotter’ – dies at 63
Ron Palillo, who played Arnold Horshack on “Welcome Back, Kotter,” has died at age 63.
The Palm Beach Post reports today that Palillo died at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., of an apparent heart attack.
He was found earlier on Aug. 14 by his partner of many years, Joseph Gramm, who called the ambulance that rushed Palillo to the hospital.
Friends tell the paper that Palillo passed away at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Tuesday morning.
Palillo’s most memorable role was Horshack, on the 1970s ABC series “Welcome Back, Kotter,” which made stars of the actors who portrayed the Sweathogs. Palillo’s catchphrase was “Ooh, ooh! Mr. Kotter!”
Palillo appeared on animated shows and other TV programs, including “Ellen.” He also appeared on stage, taught acting and created the art for two children’s books.
