Robert 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 '' .
Robert Hegyes ( May 7 , 1951 -- January 26 , 2012 ) was an American actor who was known for his role as Juan Epstein in the 1970s comedy sitcom `` Welcome Back , Kotter '' .