Despite enormous breakout popularity in its first two seasons, 'Welcome Back, Kotter' never managed to win any awards. It created catch-phrases and made instant stars of its cast, but it wasn't until its 35th anniversary at the '2011 TV Land Awards' (Sun., 9PM ET on TV Land) that the cast were honored for their work on the series.

"I think it's a little overdue, but thank you very much," said Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, who played Freddie 'Boom-Boom' Washington. "Thank you for the award. Thank you for honoring us and the legacy."

Series co-creator and star Gabe Kaplan talked about how the show was largely inspired by his own upbringing and particularly his multicultural group of friends.

"It just worked because everybody at every school -- not only in America and Canada, but all over the world -- there was a Horshack, and Epstein, a Washington, and a Barbarino," Kaplan said of the show's characters.

John Travolta was catapulted into the spotlight through his role as Vinnie Barbarino, and he treated fans to a few quick words from his breakout character during his speech. He thanked Kaplan "for creating this show and putting us all on the map."

"After 35 years, I wondered what Barbarino would be doing, and he's standing here tonight very proud to be here," Travolta said.

But it was an earlier comment by Travolta that may have summed up this night honoring classic television. "Bar none, this is absolutely the coolest night in television!"