Ron Palillo Dies of Heart Attack; Welcome Back, Kotter Star Was 63

Ron Palillo - a veteran actor best known for portraying Horshack on the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter - died of a heart attack this morning. He was 63.

Ron Palillo on Welcome Back, Kotter

Sources close to the actor confirm that Palillo passed away at his home in Palm Beach, where his body was found by partner Joseph Gramm around 4 a.m. He was later transported by ambulance to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Palillo was a heavy smoker who had been struggling with a cough, but he was otherwise in good health.

A native of Cheshire, Connecticut, Palillo rose to fame by portraying the lovable Arnold Horshack on the series that made John Travola famous. He also appeared on Laverne & Shirley.

Our thoughts go out to Palillo's loved ones.