As many of you Welcome Back, Kotter fans know, Epstein frequently came into class with a note for Gabe signed "Epstein's Mother." In the show's four year run, she never appeared in an episode. What actress would have played Epstein's Mother if she appeared in an episode. I'll give you my choice, Carmen Zapata. She's a veteran Hispanic actress who also played the mom on the short-lived sitcom "Viva Valdez." Nominations are now open.

My nomination: Shelley Morrison would've been good as Mrs. Epstein.

Liz Torres would've been a good choice, and so would the actress (her name escapes me) who played Julio's mom on Sanford & Son.

Rita Moreno

Lainie Kazan could also have pulled it off nicely.

i think you all is CRAZY - the ONLY person that could play Epstein's mother is Robert Hegyes in a dress.

i think you all is CRAZY - the ONLY person that could play Epstein's mother is Robert Hegyes in a dress.
:rofl: Now that's an idea.

lawanda pagelol aunt esther

As many of you Welcome Back, Kotter fans know, Epstein frequently came into class with a note for Gabe signed "Epstein's Mother." In the show's four year run, she never appeared in an episode. What actress would have played Epstein's Mother if she appeared in an episode. I'll give you my choice, Carmen Zapata. She's a veteran Hispanic actress who also played the mom on the short-lived sitcom "Viva Valdez." Nominations are now open.
I love her!! She also played the recurring role of Carmen Castillo, the mother of the show's leading man, Cruz Castillo (A Martinez) on the now-defunct NBC soap, Santa Barbara. She's great.

I think Epstein's mother worked best as one of those characters we always hear about but never see. Like Vera Peterson (Norm's wife) on Cheers or Nile's wife on Frasier