Gabe Kaplan Retires From High Stakes Poker! What's Next?
Is there anyone who can seamlessly transition from cracking jokes on a hit sitcom to cracking aces at the poker table? Gabe Kaplan has proven that the answer is a resounding yes, establishing himself as a true Renaissance man.
For those who remember the iconic 1970s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," Gabe Kaplan is synonymous with the character of Gabe Kotter, the wisecracking teacher of the Sweathogs. But Kaplan's talents extend far beyond the realm of acting. He's also a successful comedian, writer, and, perhaps surprisingly, a formidable poker player. And now, after a celebrated run, Kaplan has announced his retirement from his prominent role as a commentator on "High Stakes Poker," marking the end of an era for fans of the show. He stated, "I had a blast doing high stakes poker, but the time has come for me to hang it up and empty my locker. I want to thank A.J, Mori and..."
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gabriel "Gabe" Kaplan |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Professional Poker Player, Poker Commentator |
| Known For | Role as Gabe Kotter in "Welcome Back, Kotter," Commentary on "High Stakes Poker" |
| Acting Career Highlights | "Welcome Back, Kotter," Numerous television shows and movies |
| Poker Career Highlights | Winner of Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker (1980), High Stakes Poker Commentator |
| Best Live Cash | $258,390 (8th place finish in 2014) |
| Other Achievements | Successful career in financial markets and investments |
| Reference Link | CardPlayer.com |
Kaplan's association with "High Stakes Poker" spans nearly a decade, covering parts of nine seasons across its three iterations, beginning with its debut in 2006. His insightful commentary and witty banter, often alongside A.J. Benza, became a hallmark of the show, elevating it beyond a simple poker broadcast into a must-watch event for fans of the game.
Before he was calling out bluffs and analyzing hands, Kaplan was captivating audiences with his portrayal of Gabe Kotter, a role he not only played but also helped create. Along with Alan Sacks, Kaplan conceived "Welcome Back, Kotter," a sitcom that resonated with viewers due to its relatable characters and humorous depiction of high school life in an urban setting. The show, which also starred a young John Travolta, became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Kaplan's place in television history.
But Kaplan's ambition didn't stop there. Shortly after "Welcome Back, Kotter" concluded in 1979, he turned his attention to another passion: poker. He first dipped his toes into the tournament scene in February 1979. The transition might seem unusual, but for Kaplan, it was a natural fit. He recognized that the skills he honed in comedy and acting quick thinking, reading people, and maintaining composure under pressure were also valuable assets at the poker table. Deuces Wild might not have been his initial calling, but poker quickly morphed from a hobby into a full-fledged profession.
In 1980, Kaplan proved his mettle by winning the main event at Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker in Las Vegas, pocketing $190,000. This victory cemented his status as one of the top poker players of the era, a time well before the internet-fueled poker boom. His ability to decipher opponents and maintain a sharp wit made him a formidable presence at the table.
Kaplan's involvement in poker extended beyond playing. He became a sought-after commentator, lending his expertise and humor to various poker broadcasts. His tenure on "High Stakes Poker" is particularly noteworthy. He began hosting the show in 2005, and it premiered on GSN (Game Show Network) in 2006. Alongside A.J. Benza, Kaplan revolutionized poker commentary, making the game accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. "High Stakes Poker" without the insights of Benza and Kaplan is hard to imagine, as their contribution to the show elevated it to iconic status.
Beyond his Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker win, Kaplan has had other notable poker successes. He made an appearance at the World Series of Poker in 1978. He won again on "Poker After Dark" during "Cowboys Week," which initially aired in February 2008, besting Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, Chau Giang, Hoyt Corkins, and Doyle Brunson. Further highlighting his skills, Kaplan's "Poker After Dark" win in the first week of the 2010 season (the "Commentators III" episode) is considered the greatest comeback in the show's history.
Kaplan's career path has been anything but conventional. Born on March 31, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, he initially dreamed of becoming a major league baseball player. While he didn't achieve that particular goal, his passion for competition found an outlet in poker. During his acting career, Kaplan also became involved in financial markets, showcasing his diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
After achieving success in "Welcome Back, Kotter", Kaplan shifted his focus to financial ventures he had started while still on the show. He expressed a desire to concentrate on new endeavors after playing Mr. Kotter. His best live cash came in 2014 when he earned $258,390 for finishing eighth in a tournament.
Gabe Kaplan is more than just an actor or a poker player; he's a multifaceted entertainer whose career has spanned decades and crossed multiple disciplines. From creating and starring in a beloved sitcom to becoming a respected figure in the poker world, Kaplan has consistently demonstrated his intelligence, wit, and adaptability. His retirement from "High Stakes Poker" marks the end of a chapter, but his legacy as a true original in both entertainment and poker remains firmly intact.
The now-retired poker announcer, 77, grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and dreamed of one day becoming a major league baseball star. He wasn't athletic enough to achieve those goals, but he found success in other fields. Gabe Kaplan is an American poker player, commentator, actor, and comedian from Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Kaplan is best known for his role as Mr. Kotter in the television series "Welcome Back, Kotter" and for his commentary on the popular poker television show "High Stakes Poker." Its easy to create poker content these days, but back when Gabe Kaplan and A.J. Benza were revolutionizing poker commentary, it wasnt. High Stakes Poker would have been nothing if not for the insights of Benza and Kaplan, whose foray into poker was the latest move in a chequered career that always made fans of his laugh.
• Gabe Kaplan is an American actor, comedian, writer and poker player born in 194• • He wrote all 95 episodes of the comedy series Welcome Back, Kotter which starred John Travolta and won three of its 15 award nominations.
• He has appeared in 13 movies and TV series, with four writing credits. By 1980, Gabe Kaplan was considered among pokers elite players when he won the main event at Amarillo Slims 2 nd annual poker classiclater renamed the Super Bowl of Pokerand pocketed a respectable $190,000 prize.
He made the final table in this series two more times over the next five years and solidified himself in the poker world. Nick Schulman replaces Gabe Kaplan on PokerGO's High Stakes Poker show.
Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, and Patrik Antonius play insane pot on High Stakes Poker.
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