Photo: David Levy / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
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
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- actor / stage actor / television actor
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Metuchen High School
- University
- Rowan University
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert%20Hegyes
Frequently asked questions
When was Robert Hegyes born?
May 7, 1951 – January 26, 2012.
Where is Robert Hegyes from?
Robert Hegyes is from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States.
What does Robert Hegyes do?
Robert Hegyes works as actor, stage actor, television actor.
Actor — see all → · Stage actor — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-18
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.