Ron Palillo dies, Horshack

[Robert2]

Ron died last evening in Florida. Ron was a lover of theatre, performed in many plays and musicals around the country, including NYC. He also wrote a brilliant play, "The Lost Boy". He was my best friend for 30 years. I'm devastated. Rest in peace.

[Robert2]

From Lawrence Leritz

[Skip2]

One of the funniest stage actors ever. He never had a chance to really show his "stuff" on the Broadway stage and TV. Perhaps "Kotter" was a curse in disguise.

[GavestonPS]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Mr. Leritz.

Mr. Palillo remains an iconic figure for people my age.

[hairspraydude1962]

I got the opportunity to meet Mr. Palillo a few years ago. He seemed to be a very kind and intelligent person. Rest in peace.

[TimesSquared]

I worked on stage with him in the 80s. He was a sweet man, and a talented, generous and hardworking performer.

[Jordan Catalano]

Very sad. To me though, he'll always be Audrey's "Ron Palillo, TV's Horshack" on ELLEN...

[StageManager2]

Haha, Jordan! I just rewatched that "Horschak's Law" episode the other day. I'm going through my annual Ellen kick.

My condolences, Robert2.

[CapnHook]

I have had much correspondence with Ron over the years as we shared interest in the life of J.M. Barrie and the story of Peter Pan. Although I never met him, it was very apparent that he was a thoughtful, intelligent, and wonderful human being. He had invited me to see his play, THE LOST BOY, up in Nyack some years ago. I'm so sorry to have missed that production.

I, too, will also remember him from his guest spots on ELLEN and, of course, loved him as Horseshack on WELCOME BACK, KOTTER.

Rest in peace.

[Jordan Catalano]

As hard as it is to lose someone you love, I do like to think conversations like this and knowing that person is and will always be thought of so fondly by countless people you'll never meet who will go and share him with more people for generations to come, makes this horrible time just a tiny bit more comforting. So Lawrence, I hope you know that your best friend Ron, is one of those people who will go on and be remembered fondly forever.

-J.C. (Jordan Catalano, not Jesus Christ. Although we get confused for each other all the time, especially at the bar when the bartender is like "Hey, do I know you" and I'm all "No, I'm not HIM" and the bartender hands me water and says "I think you've had enough, Buddy" but I know what he really means is "Dude, turn this into wine!" and it's just always so awkward)

[Robert2]

I appreciate the kind words. Ron would have been thrilled that so many people loved him.

Thank You,
Lawrence Leritz

(Robert 2, my middle name)