'Welcome Back, Kotter' co-creator Alan Sacks breathes his last at 81
1. Late film and television producer Alan Sacks had been battling lymphoma cancer
Alan Sacks, co-creator of the iconic TV series *Welcome Back, Kotter*, has passed away at the age of 81. He died on Tuesday morning, October 22, after a long battle with lymphoma cancer.
Sacks' wife, talent agent Annette van Duren Sacks, shared the news of his passing, stating that he died "peacefully" in his hometown of New York City. Born in Brooklyn, Sacks was known for his contributions to television and film, including producing several Disney Channel projects.
He was first diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma 22 years ago and had experienced years of remission before the cancer returned. In recent weeks, the disease took an aggressive turn, rendering chemotherapy ineffective. Sacks began hospice care last week before passing away.
Sacks was widely recognized for co-creating the beloved 1970s series *Welcome Back, Kotter* and for his work on projects centered around the 1980s L.A. punk scene.
