Robert Hegyes

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Robert Hegyes (May 7th, 1951) is an American born actor, best known for his portrayal of 'Epstein' in the 1970's television series Welcome Back, Kotter.

[edit] Early life and career

Hegyes was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to a Hungarian-American father, Steven, and an Italian-American mother, Marie. He is one of four children born to the couple. Always interested in theater, Hegyes began acting in high school. He later attended Glassboro State College in New Jersey, where he majored in speech and theater. He received a B.A. degree from college, and moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.

He became a member of a children's theater group, called "Theater in a Trunk", and the troupe of actors began touring and performing plays in the local area schools. He then landed a role in the off-Broadway play Naomi Courts, but the play was not successful. However, it led to his being cast in the play Don't Call Back, which did see moderate success.

From 1975 to 1979 he starred in his most notable role, as 'Epstein' in the series Welcome Back, Kotter. Following the cancellation of the series, his acting career never gained momentum. He had landed a small role in the Al Pacino film Dog Day Afternoon, but only small acting roles followed, with a small role in Cagney and Lacey. He continues to act from time to time, having had guest appearances on several televisions series, including The Love Boat, The Streets of San Francisco, and most recently The Drew Carey Show and Living in TV Land with Dick Van Patten. [1] [2]