John Travolta almost missed out on his breakout TV role. The actor shot to fame in the 1975 ABC sitcom Welcome Back Kotter, but in an essay for Emmy Magazine, Gabe Kaplan, the show’s co-creator and ...

It’s unclear how well these novels sold, but they ended a good two years before the series did, portending harsh realities the inhabitants of James Buchanan High School couldn’t conceive of at the ...

In this business there are stars who are easy to track down and others who prove to be far more challenging. Finding Gabe Kaplan, the brilliant creator and star of the hit comedy series Welcome Back, ...

Almost a half century before "Abbott Elementary,” the series that showcased a young John Travolta pioneered its comedy form. By Lisa de los Reyes Senior Copy Editor The life of a teacher is one of ...

March 15, 2006 — -- A little quiz for fellow Sweathogs out there: If you know what part Ron Palillo wants to play in Ice Cube's new version of "Welcome Back, Kotter," raise your hand and start ...

If you remember the phrase "up your nose with a rubber hose," then you undoubtedly recall the Sweathogs of Brooklyn's James Buchanan High and the show that featured them, Welcome Back, Kotter. Running ...

Travolta became a sensation thanks to his role as Vinnie Barbarino ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty John Travolta became a fan favorite on Welcome Back, Kotter, but ...

Mayor Eric Adams honored “Welcome Back, Kotter” and “Cooley High” actor Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs with a proclamation as he marked the 50th anniversary of both the show and movie at Ember Charter School, ...

For Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, one of the original Sweathogs from the 1970s TV show "Welcome Back, Kotter," Hempstead High School was a familiar setting. Raised in Manhattan and the star of such films as ...

Stand-up comedian Gabe Kaplan played the teacher of a remedial high school class that called themselves “the Sweathogs.” One of the four featured students was played by John Travolta, who became a ...

Saved by the Bell had a bit of a weird road to success. Disney axed the original series after one season. Show creator Peter Engel wasn’t willing to give up on the idea, though. He retooled it and ...