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.

Death & Tribute

Colasanto died of a heart ailment in 1985, just as Cheers was achieving its greatest success. After his death, his presence on the show was represented by the placing of a picture of Geronimo on the wall of the show's primary set. The photo had previously hung in Colasanto's dressing room and was said to hold a special meaning to the actor. The picture remained on the set for the rest of the series' run.

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Eight years after Colasanto's death, the show offered a subtle but important nod to him in its final scene: star Ted Danson walks up to and straightens the Geronimo picture before walking off stage for the last time.

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