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Ron Palillo

A theater-trained actor with a strong stage background, Ron Palillo was forever remembered as the charming goofball Arnold Horshack, one of the "Welcome Back, Kotter" (ABC, 1975-79) "Sweathogs." The show and its characters became an integral part of pop culture zeitgeist, inspiring a lucrative line of merchandise and a mania to imitate the beloved characters' catchphrases, including Palillo's distinctive Horshack mannerisms. After "Kotter" ended, Palillo appeared in genre projects like "Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI" (1986) and had great success with voiceover work. He also had a fun recurring role as himself on "Ellen" (ABC, 1994-98). Palillo also turned his focus to stage work, teaching drama and illustrating children's books, living quietly in Florida with his partner until his death from a heart attack on Aug. 14, 2012. Ron Palillo created a character who still resonated with audiences decades later - a testament to the chops, tenacity and likability of the actor who made it all possible.