Alan Sacks, Co-Creator of 'Welcome Back, Kotter,' Dies at 81

Alan Sacks, who had a diverse career in television and film, passed away due to lymphoma complications.

Alan Sacks, known for co-creating the 1970s sitcom 'Welcome Back, Kotter,' died in New York City after a battle with mantle cell lymphoma.
Sacks' career began at ABC, where he worked as a program executive before moving to Los Angeles to co-create 'Welcome Back, Kotter' with Gabe Kaplan.
He produced several films for the Disney Channel, including 'Smart House' and the Emmy-winning 'The Color of Friendship.'
In addition to television, Sacks was involved in the L.A. punk scene, directing the film 'Du-Beat-e-o' and producing 'Thrashin',' featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Sacks also taught film and broadcasting at Los Angeles Valley College and produced a podcast on the unsolved murder of his friend Peter Ivers.