World Poker Tour

Gabe Kaplan “Mr. Kotter“

Birthplace
New York, NY

Birthday
March 31

Total Winnings
$294,239

If there is a greater challenge than besting Gabe Kaplan at the poker table, it's getting him to be serious for more than a couple of minutes. Ask him when he started playing poker and he'll answer "1914." Ask him about his personal influences he'll point to paint-job specialist Earl Scheib. Oh, and if you ask him about what he does for a living, he'll channel George Costanza and respond, "Marine biologist."

So, while you're trying to figure out how a 90-year-old marine biologist with a paint-job fetish ended up at a final table, you might want to step back and take another look. Then it will dawn on you like the smell of a Sweathog homeroom. That's Mr. Kotter. "A lot of people still recognize me, but they don't know where from," Kaplan says, wistfully.

An actor and comedian, Kaplan is best know for his starring role in the popular 1970s series, "Welcome Back Kotter." But in the years since, Kotter has become an accomplished poker player and broadcaster. He's won the Super Bowl of Poker Twice and the Low-Ball championship at the Commerce Club. He's also made a few final tables at the World Series, but not found a bracelet.

"I don't care if I win," Kaplan will tell you with a smile. "And if you believe that I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you". Oh, and one more question, Mr. Kaplan. Are you afraid of anything? You can almost expect the answer: "Actors who try to be poker players."