Nicholas Colasanto (January 19, 1924 - February 12, 1985) was an American actor and television director, known primarily for his role as Coach Ernie Pantusso on the sitcom Cheers. He also appeared in feature films which include Fat City, Family Plot, and Raging Bull.
As a director, Colasanto worked on over two dozen American TV series between 1966 and 1981, including such hits as Hawaii Five-O, Columbo, Starsky and Hutch and CHiPs.
He attended Br...
more
Nicholas Colasanto (January 19, 1924 - February 12, 1985) was an American actor and television director, known primarily for his role as Coach Ernie Pantusso on the sitcom Cheers. He also appeared in feature films which include Fat City, Family Plot, and Raging Bull.
As a director, Colasanto worked on over two dozen American TV series between 1966 and 1981, including such hits as Hawaii Five-O, Columbo, Starsky and Hutch and CHiPs.
He attended Bryant University, now located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and was a decorated veteran of World War II.
Colasanto directed two episodes of Columbo: "Étude in Black", starring John Cassavetes as conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and "Swan Song", starring Johnny Cash as a murdering country and western singer. At one point, during the episode, Cash's character refers to his (unseen) colleague "Nick Solacanto".
As an actor he appeared in a number of popular television series, including Mannix, Kojak, Ironside and Lou Grant....
less
