Rushed off to work before the film even ended. This time, the weather was nice enough despite the strong wind for me to take my bike. Things worked better during the first half of my short shift, when the Sunday morning bagger took over the indoor chores, and I just had to push carts. He left after my break, which meant I now had to sweep as well. It took me forever to clean up an egg that smashed on the floor and got glued on. I practically had to scrape it off. It took me so long, I fell behind with the carts and never did really catch up with them.
Let the wind blow me home after that. Finished Mufasa, then took a shower, had dinner, and finished the night watching tonight's Match Game marathon. Welcome Back Kotter was a year into its four-year run when Ron Palillo first appeared on the show. He was known for playing dorky and enthusiastic Arnold Horshack on the show, and Gene would frequently request for him to do the wheezy hyena-like laugh that was the character's trademark.
Along with Debralee Scott, Ron was probably the best and most popular of the four "Sweathogs" who appeared on the show. He proved to be a good player, charming, witty, and easily able to dodge Brett's obvious advances. The five weeks he appeared on the show were among some of the most enjoyable of 1976 and 1977.
Probably the most memorable was the week that also featured soap opera star Tudi Wiggins, who frankly looked more like everyone's favorite English teacher than a daytime drama diva. Between Ron's adorable braying and Tudi's dry wit, the show was already pretty wild that week. It culminated in the infamous episode with the sexual answer and a racial comment from Gene to Nipsey Russell (who sat in Charles' seat) that's been banned from the airwaves since it's debut. Jo Ann Worley made her last appearance on the 70's-80's run during his first week, with Fannie Flagg tossing her own quips to Charles and Brett. Elaine Joyce and a crusty Mary Wickes turned up during his final week.
Say "welcome back" to the sweetest and smartest of the Sweathogs in this wild marathon that will have you falling down with your own wheezy laughter!
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