Freddie "Boom Boom" Percy Washington
(Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs)
The hip African-American known as the athletic Sweathog for his skills on the basketball court, Washington claimed his nickname came from his habit of "pretending to play the bass" and singing "Boom-boom-boom-boom!". Though often the voice of reason among his classmates, Washington nonetheless was a willing participant in the Sweathogs' various antics and pranks. Freddie also found success as a radio disc jockey along with another former Sweathog, Wally "The Wow" (played by George Carlin). At one point, Washington challenged Barbarino for leadership of the Sweathogs, and even replaced him for a time until they all reached a consensus that the Sweathogs did not really need a leader.
Washington had an older sister, who got divorced twice while living in Vermont ("The Longest Weekend"), and a brother, Leroy. In "The Great Debate" he is revealed to have another brother, Douglas, and their father's name is revealed to be Lincoln. Kotter would use his own past to bond with Freddie, as in addition to being a former Sweathog, he was a former star for Buchanan's basketball team as well.
- Washington's catchphrases
- "Hi there."
(His normal greeting, usually in a basso profondo voice) - "My assignment? Yes, Mr. Kotter. I have my assignment. Unfortunately, I don't have it here...han-n-dy-y..."
(Whenever he forgot his homework or failed to accomplish any given task) - Hey, Mister Kot-taire (how he addresses Mr. Kotter, and with a French accent)
Read more about this topic: Welcome Back, Kotter, Characters and Catchphrases
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