Gay Actor Ron Palillo Dies at 63, Survived By Partner of 41 Years Joseph Gramm

"Welcome Back, Kotter" actor Ron Palillo died on Tuesday morning (August 14) at the age of 63.  He played the funny character Horshack opposite of John Travolta in the 1970s sitcom.  His long time partner and actor Joseph Gramm discovered Palillo suffering from an alleged heart attack in their Palm Beach home.

Joe Gramm called 911 early Tuesday and when they arrived to the hospital, Palillo was pronounced dead.  

Sources told TMZ that he was in good health and that the death was unexpected.

Palillo has taken a teaching job three years ago at a West Palm Beach charter school specializing in television and movies programs for young children called the G-Star School of Arts.