John Sylvester White was a popular American actor who played the role of Mr. Michael Woodman, the strict and grumpy principal of Buchanan High School, in the hit sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter from 1975 to 1979. He also appeared in other TV shows and movies, such as Kojak, Baretta, The Blue Knight, and The Law. But what was the cause of his death and how did he spend his final years?
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Early Life and Career
John Sylvester White was born on October 31, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Colmar Manor, Maryland, where his father, also named John Sylvester White, was an attorney and the first mayor of the town. White developed an interest in acting and joined the theater group at the University of Maryland. He later moved to New York City to pursue his acting career.
White’s first major role was as Keith Barron, the first husband of Joanne Gardner, on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow from 1951 to 1952. He then took a break from acting for almost two decades, working as a salesman and a public relations executive. He returned to acting in 1970, appearing in various TV shows and movies as a guest star or a supporting actor. He often played authority figures, such as cops, judges, lawyers, and bosses.
Welcome Back, Kotter and Fame
White’s most famous role was as Mr. Michael Woodman on Welcome Back, Kotter, a sitcom about a teacher who returns to his alma mater to teach a group of misfit students known as the Sweathogs. White’s character was the antagonist of the show, often clashing with the teacher and the students over their unconventional methods and antics. White portrayed Mr. Woodman as a stern, sarcastic, and sometimes sympathetic figure who cared about the school and its reputation.
Welcome Back, Kotter was a huge success, becoming one of the top-rated shows on ABC and launching the careers of its stars, especially John Travolta, who played Vinnie Barbarino, the leader of the Sweathogs. White became a household name and received positive reviews for his performance. He appeared in 95 episodes of the show from 1975 to 1979.
Personal Life and Death
White was married to Joan Alexander, an actress who was best known as the voice of Lois Lane on the radio version of The Adventures of Superman in the 1940s. They married in 1944 but divorced a year later. White never remarried and had no children.
White moved to Hawaii in the early 1980s, where he enjoyed surfing and sailing. He also continued to act occasionally, appearing in TV shows such as Mama’s Family and Alice. His last film role was as Harry in E. Nick: A Legend in His Own Mind in 1984.
White died on September 11, 1988, at the age of 68, from pancreatic cancer in Waikiki, Honolulu. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Tribute
John Sylvester White is remembered as one of the most memorable characters on Welcome Back, Kotter and one of the finest actors of his generation. He left behind a legacy of humor, professionalism, and talent that inspired many others.
In 2011, four of the surviving cast members of Welcome Back, Kotter reunited at the TV Land Awards to receive the 35th Anniversary Award. They paid tribute to White and other deceased cast members by showing clips of their performances and sharing anecdotes about them.
According to The New York Times, John Travolta said that White was “a great actor” who “gave us credibility”. Gabe Kaplan, who played Mr. Kotter on the show, said that White was “a very nice man” who “was always prepared”. Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on the show, said that White was “a consummate professional” who “taught us how to be actors”. Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, who played Freddie Washington on the show, said that White was “a wonderful person” who “was like a father figure to us”.
John Sylvester White’s cause of death was pancreatic cancer, a disease that affects more than 60,000 people in the United States every year. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer because it is often diagnosed at a late stage when it has spread to other organs. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. The treatment options for pancreatic cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is low, with only about 10% of patients living for five years or more after diagnosis.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you can find more information and support from the following organizations:
- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which provides patient services, advocacy, research, and education.
- The Lustgarten Foundation, which funds scientific research and raises awareness about pancreatic cancer.
- The American Cancer Society, which offers information, resources, and support for cancer patients and their families.
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