Arnold Dingfelder Horshack has Died

 Arnold Dingfelder Horshack aka Ron Palillo has died at age 63. Mr. Palillo died in his West Palm Beach home where he was found unresponsive by his long time partner Joseph Gramm. Playing contrary to his reality Ron Palillo was cast as remedial student Arnold Horshack in the the sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter" in 1975. The series ran for 4 years. In reality Palillo was an excellent student skipping years in high school and graduating from University of Connecticut with a 3.9 GPA.

After "Welcome Back Kotter" Palillo performed in supporting roles in several TV series's as well as doing voice over work. He did however have a darker side battling depression and living in virtual seclusion for several years. Returning to his first love the theater was his salvation. He then went on to teach both in Florida and at his alma mater University of Connecticut. He was quoted as saying "I finally have something more to say than 'I played Arnold Horshack.' " His character of Arnold did bring him fame and was a delight to watch.