Robert Hegyes

Robert Hegyes, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was the eldest child of Hungarian-American father Stephen and Italian-American mother Marie Dominica Cocozza. He also has siblings, including Mark Hegyes, a physician in Montana, and sisters Stephanie and Elizabeth, residing in New Jersey and California, respectively.

Hegyes' passion for acting ignited during his high school years at Metuchen High School, where he studied under Dr. Barton Shepard. He further honed his craft at Rowan University, earning a BA in Theater and Secondary Education in the early 1970s. After graduation, he immersed himself in the New York theater scene, working with various companies like the Greenwich Village Children’s Repertory and the NYC Children's Puppet Ensemble. He soon gained recognition, landing a role in the acclaimed drama "Naomi Court," which featured Brad Davis.

His big break came when he was cast in the hit TV series "Welcome Back, Kotter" in 1975, where he not only acted but also directed episodes. Hegyes showcased his versatility through guest appearances on numerous shows, including "Saturday Night Live," "Diagnosis Murder," and "The Drew Carey Show." His film credits include "Bob Roberts" and "Honeymoon Hotel."

In Los Angeles, he received acclaim for his portrayal of Chico Marx in "An Evening with Groucho" and became a series regular on "Cagney & Lacey." A dedicated educator, Hegyes holds a lifetime artist-in-residence designation at Rowan University and teaches in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He resides in Venice, California, where he co-created the original Internet series "The Venice Walk."