Nicholas Colasanto

Nicholas Colasanto (January 19, 1924 – February 12, 1985) was an American actor, known primarily for his role as Ernie 'Coach' Pantusso on the long-running sitcom Cheers. Feature films include Fat City and Raging Bull.

A decorated veteran of World War II, he also directed various television series, such as Starsky and Hutch and CHiPs.

Death & Tribute

Colasanto died of a heart ailment in 1985, just as Cheers was achieving it's greatest success. The show made a subtle nod to him in it's final scene, eight years later: star Ted Danson walks up to and straightens a photo of Geronimo before walking off stage for the last time. The picture had previously hung in Nicholas Colasanto's dressing room, and was said to hold a special meaning to the actor.