Actor Ron Palillo who gained fame as Arnold Horschack on ‘Welcome Back, Kotter has died at age 63 according to various reports.

The Palm Beach Post is reporting Palillo died in his Florida home this morning around 4:30 a.m.  TMZ is reporting the actor died suddenly from a heart attack.

Palillo made a name for himself as the ultimate class clown and part of the ‘Sweathogs’ on the popular ‘70s high school themed show that ran from 1975 to 1979 alongside a young John Travolta. 

According to Palillo’s IMDd profile, he started his own summer theater in Cheshire, Connecticut when he was just 14 years-old.  After graduating college as a drama major he pursued acting full-time. 

For the last three years, Palillo had been a 9th grade acting teacher at a charter school in Palm Springs.  He is survived by his partner of 41-years Joseph Gramm.