Who Is Robert Hegyes? Age, Biography and Wiki
Robert Hegyes was born on May 7, 1951, and sadly passed away on January 26, 2012. In 2025, his legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Hegyes is best remembered for his role as Juan Epstein on the hit 1970s television series "Welcome Back, Kotter." His compelling performances and charismatic presence made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1951 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 26 January, 2012 |
| Died Place | Edison, New Jersey, U.S. |
Popularity
Robert Hegyes's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Hegyes was known for his striking appearance. He stood approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and carried a weight of around 175 pounds (79 kg). While there is limited information on his exact body measurements, his athletic build and engaging persona contributed to his appeal.
He grew up in Metuchen, New Jersey, and began acting in high school in the mid-1960s under the guidance of Metuchen High School theater teacher, Barton Shepard. Hegyes attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) after graduating from high school. While there, he worked part-time at the Hardee's fast food restaurant in town.
After completing his student teaching requirement at Haddon Township High School, he graduated from Glassboro State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech/Theater and Secondary Education.
Hegyes ventured to New York City to pursue a career in acting and soon became a member of a Greenwich Village children's theater group called "Theater in a Trunk". He performed educational theater at U.S.
President Theodore Roosevelt's birthplace on East 20th Street, and continued in this vein as a puppeteer with an arm and rod puppet company, playing Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows.
Robert managed to work a third performing job in Washington Square Park and at the Provincetown Playhouse as a member of the political improvisational guerrilla troupe, "Jack LaRumpa's Flying Drum & Kazoo Band".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Robert Hegyes was known to keep his personal life relatively private. He was previously married to a woman named C. F. (real name not widely disclosed), and they had a complicated relationship dynamic. Aside from his marriage, not much is publicly known about his dating history or any significant others he may have had. While he had no children, his connections with his family and friends were paramount in shaping his life and work.
Hegyes was married to Mary Kunes (1973–1977). He then married Kyle Drummer (1979–1984). With his third wife Lynn O'Hare (1987–1993), he had two children, Cassondra (Cassie) (b. 1987) and Mack (b. 1991). Hegyes was in a long-term relationship with Cynthia Wylie (1994–2007), who brought two children to the relationship, Alex (b.
1988) and Sophia (b. 1991) He was the cousin of opera singer Mario Lanza.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Robert Hegyes had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Throughout his career, Hegyes earned his wealth primarily through acting and television projects. His role in "Welcome Back, Kotter" was notably lucrative, and he participated in various film and TV projects that continued to boost his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Robert Hegyes’ career began with notable appearances in various television shows and movies. Aside from "Welcome Back, Kotter," he made guest appearances in other popular series, cementing his reputation as a talented actor. Following his television success, Hegyes branched out into theater and voice acting, further expanding his artistic repertoire. Posthumously, his work continues to be celebrated, ensuring his contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten.
Hegyes made his Los Angeles stage debut as "Chico Marx" in the Westwood and national touring company engagements of An Evening with Groucho. Upon returning from the tour, Hegyes was cast by producer Barney Rosenzweig to star as a series regular portraying undercover detective "Manny Esposito" in Cagney & Lacey.
During this time he also appeared on the game show Pyramid from time to time, and on Match Game.
Social Network
Although Robert Hegyes is no longer with us, his legacy endures through various social networks and fan pages dedicated to his work. Fans connect on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reminisce about his iconic roles and share memories that highlight his impact on the industry.
Education
Robert Hegyes earned a degree in Drama from Glassboro State College, which equipped him with the skills he needed to navigate the competitive landscape of acting. This educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in the entertainment world.
Robert Bruce Hegyes (pronounced Hedges; May 7, 1951 – January 26, 2012) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of high school student Juan Epstein on the 1970s American sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter and as detective Manny Esposito on the 1980s American crime drama Cagney & Lacey.
