ILOSM fam,’ do you remember “Juan” from “Welcome Back Kotter?” Actor, Robert Hegyes used to crack us up for four years, with his “Juan Epstein” portrayal as the street dude who was voted as “Most Likely To Take A Life” by his fellow “Kotter” classmates. What many of us probably didn’t know is that Hegyes sadly passed away some years ago.

DETAILS ON HOW ROBERT HEGYES PASSED AWAY

Above is one of the most recent photos (on the right) of Robert Hegyes, shortly before he passed away at the age of 60. See the details of what caused his death below…

HOW ROBERT HEGYES PASSED AWAY

On January 26, 2012, Hegyes suddenly died from a heart attack at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey. He was married twice and in a long term relationship as well. Hegyes is survived by his two biological children, Mac and Cassondra (from his second marriage to Lynn O’Hare); and his two step-children (from his prior relationship with Cynthia Wylie) Alex and Sophia Kessler.

OLD SCHOOL FUN FACTS ABOUT Hegyes

We’ve learned two interesting old school fun facts about the late Robert Hegyes:

1. After acting, Hegyes became an educator on the collegiate, and secondary educational levels: He was listed as an ‘artist-in-residence’ who taught public speaking, acting for camera, and screenplay writing, and was a guest lecturer in film/radio/television departments at his alma mater, Rowan University; he was also an instructor at Brooks College in Long Beach, California, teaching essay writing and public speaking; and lastly, Hegyes was a certified elementary school teacher in California.

2. Robert Hegyes and rock star, Bon Jovi, are cousins, according to Variety.

The impact the late, great Robert Hegyes made in shows like “Welcome Back Kotter” and “Cagney & Lacy” has left some beautiful memories in the hearts of millions and we, old schoolers, are grateful for his contributions. May he continue to rest peacefully.

The post Before “Welcome Back Kotter” Actor’s Death, He Chose Very Different Career Path appeared first on I Love Old School Music.