Here's a thought. Since casting for Chico was down between Freddie and Mando, what if Mando got the role of Chico and Freddie was given the part of Epstein in Welcome Back Kotter. I mean he was an actual Puerto Rican jew from NYC and could have given Travolta a run for his money in the hearthrob department.

That would've been so cool, Freddie & John Travolta on the same show. As you probably guessed I'm a big John Travolta fan too... :)

Hmmm.... You know I never thought of that.

I was liking John Travolta back then too but if Freddie would've appeared as Epstein I would've gravitated towards Freddie. ;)

i can't picture that but i guess because of all the charecters on WBK epstein was my LEAST fave and i can't picture freddie although if he played the part i probobly would have loved him. lol

I loved Epstein! (My least favorite was Horshack)
I loved the scene where Epstein is drawing the stick-figures of all the substitute teachers on the blackboard, and methodically X-ing them out; acting all cool and tough--I could just see Freddie doing that scene!:lol:

If you think about it, I bet Freddie would've been made to shave off his mustache if he would've had the role of Epstein.
(Freddie, as an adult, looked older than he really was, and I don't think he would've passed for a 17 or 18 year old with that gorgeous mustache!)

Ron Hegyes (sp?) was one of my other kidhood hubba-hubbas but I could see Freddie in that role. The downside is that the writing wouldn't enable Freddie to really show his skillz since he'd be one of a group of smartass kids.

I always thought Ron Pallillo's Horshack sounded like Edith Bunker :lol:

Moon!?!?!?! Where have you been, babe. I was thinking about you on the other thread about our memories of this message board. It has been a LOOOOOONG time since we saw you around these parts. Don't be a stranger! (or any stranger than you have to be! LOL :rotflmao: )

I was thinking the same thing Luckymama!

MOON! It is wonderful to see you again!!!


:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Wow, I never thought of this casting either! It woulda been interesting--two such huge heartthrobs playing off each other--but yeah, Freddie looked older with that mustache and shaving it off woulda been a shame....

in a cast like that or alone Freddie always stood out

I was a huge Barbarino fan.........ya had ta love Vinny! but I admit I LOVED ALL THE SWEATHOG....

Vinny: What? Where? When?
Arnold: ooo ooo oooo ooooo!
Freddie: (singing) a boom boom boom boom boom boom
and
Juan: Dear Mr. Kotter, Signed Epsteins Mother

YES .. I WATCHED ENTIRELY TOO MUCH TV :rotflmao:


I agree... FREDDIE would have done a great job with that roll..and it would have made for an interesting rival for the affection of teenage girls everywhere....