Ron Palillo Dead at 63: “Welcome Back, Kotter” Star Dies from Heart Attack (“Horshack”)

Thirty Mile Zone ^ | 8/14/2012 9:01 AM PDT | TMZ Staff

[Olog-hai]

Ron Palillo—the actor who played Horshack on “Welcome Back, Kotter”—died this morning at his home near Palm Beach, FL from an apparent heart attack … this according to someone close to the actor.

We’re told Palillo was found by his partner of many years, Joseph Gramm, around 4:00 AM. Gramm called an ambulance and Palillo was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

We’re told the heart attack was very unexpected. Palillo was 63. …

[napscoordinator]

Not a good year for Welcome Back Kotter at all. We have had two deaths already and they were pretty young. Prayers to his friends and family. What tragic news.

[ConservativeDude]

So both Horshak and Barbarino were fags (or at least the actors who played them).

Great.

[Mr. K]

“It means ‘The cattle are dying’”

[kevcol]

the "longtime companions"

[End Times Sentinel]

OMG!!! I just realized Principal Woodman died too!

[BipolarBob]

That is an embarrassing photo. wow

[exit82]

We’re told the heart attack was very unexpected

I have mine scheduled to avoid this very thing.

[Dr. Sivana]

I didn’t need to know that about someone who grew up 10 miles from me.

[John W]

Further information-—

Palillo had appeared to be in good health ... but was a heavy smoker. We’re told he had been suffering from a bad cough and had even scheduled a doctor’s appointment for today

[Snickering Hound]

"Oooo, oooo, oooo!"

[skeeter]

Sorry to hear about all these TV characters from my childhood passing away, but

Welcome Back Kotter and its overbearing laugh track was the most annoying show ever aired.

[SoldierDad]

Is it me, or does the man standing seem to be saying, "Ron, it's over here"?

[cicero2k]

The ending of an era.

Not so much for this TV show, but for remembering the actors. We shared the experience of Kotter, One Day at a Time, All in the Family, Jeffersons, Happy Days etc.

In 40 years when a Housewife, Bachelorette, Idol finalist, Apprentice etc. star dies; will anybody remember?

[Bringbackthedraft]

Palillo was found by his partner of many years............................... ??? Why is this so prevalent in the entertainment industry?

[poobear]

“I have mine scheduled to avoid this very thing.”

Yes, proper planning is imperative when you’re expecting a major cardiac event.

[llevrok]

Welcome Back Kotter and its overbearing laugh track was the most annoying show ever aired.

I dunno. Any show that had a local bar named the "Regal Beagle" had do be right up there.

[P.O.E.]

RIP

[fella]

“Why is this so prevalent in the entertainment industry?”

From reading Gibsons “Fall of the Roman Empire” it seems that it’s been there all along. One of the reasons that until recent times entertainment people have been shuned by mainstream society.

[TexasNative2000]

RIP Ron Palillo (1949-2012).
RIP Ron Palillo's Career (1975-1976).