Nicholas Colasanto

Nicholas Colasanto (1924-1985) was an American actor and television director. He is most famous for playing the role of 'Coach' Ernie Pantusso in the beloved American sitcom Cheers. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Colasanto served as a coxswain in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked as a bookkeeper before pursuing his passion for acting. Although he was initially rejected by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Colasanto joined a small theater company in Phoenix, Arizona. Aside from Cheers, his acting career included theater and television appearances. Colasanto was of Italian descent and left a lasting impact on television as the lovable Coach Pantusso.