Photo: David Levy / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on May 7, 1951 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States, Robert Hegyes was a stage actor and television actor. Robert Hegyes died on January 26, 2012, aged 60. Schooling on record includes Metuchen High School and Rowan University.
My Take
Robert Hegyes earns my affection mainly for Juan Epstein on Welcome Back, Kotter, a role he infused with such mischievous charm that it defined a slice of 1970s sitcom culture. A New Jersey native and Rowan University graduate, he was a grounded, working actor rather than a manufactured star. What I appreciate most is his range: he could anchor classroom comedy and then turn around and play detective Manny Esposito on the grittier Cagney & Lacey. Losing him at 60 in 2012 felt premature, but that expressive, likable face left a lasting imprint on anyone who watched him. A dependable character actor in the best sense.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Robert Hegyes
- Name (Japanese)
- ロバート・ヘジス
- Reading
- ろばーと・へじす
- Born
- May 7, 1951 – January 26, 2012
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Rabbit
- Origin
- Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States
- Occupation
- actor / stage actor / television actor
2. Background
- High school
- Metuchen High School
- University
- Rowan University
3. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert%20Hegyes
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7345377
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-18
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Robert Hegyes born?
Born May 7, 1951.
When did Robert Hegyes die?
Died January 26, 2012, aged 60.
Where was Robert Hegyes from?
Robert Hegyes was from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States.
What did Robert Hegyes do?
Robert Hegyes worked as actor, stage actor, television actor.
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