Was the first of two main cast members of Welcome Back, Kotter (1975) to pass away in 2012. The second was Ron Palillo, who coincidentally also passed away from a heart attack.
He taught for several years at Venice High School in Venice, California.
Has four children from his relationship with Cynthia Wylie (1994-2007).
He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech, Theater, and Dance from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in Glassboro, New Jersey before moving to New York City to start his acting career.