On this day, February 12, 1985, Nicholas Colasanto, best known for his role as Coach Ernie Pantusso on Cheers, passed away at the age of 61 from a heart attack.
Colasanto was a beloved figure on the hit sitcom, playing the kind-hearted and often forgetful bartender and mentor to Sam Malone. His warmth and comedic timing made Coach one of the most memorable characters during the show’s early seasons. Before Cheers, Colasanto had a long career in television and film, appearing in shows like Starsky & Hutch and directing episodes of Bonanza and Hawaii Five-O.
His passing deeply affected the Cheers cast and crew, and his absence was later acknowledged on the show. His character was written out, and in tribute, Woody Harrelson was introduced as the new bartender, Woody Boyd, starting in Season 4. A touching moment came later in the series when a plaque of Colasanto’s in his dressing room was placed on the set in the bar, where it remained throughout the show’s run.
Fun fact: The iconic "Coach's plaque" that hangs in the Cheers bar was originally in Nicholas Colasanto’s dressing room. The cast kept it on set as a tribute to their late co-star.
Trivia question: What character replaced Coach as the bartender at Cheers following Nicholas Colasanto’s passing?
Colasanto was a beloved figure on the hit sitcom, playing the kind-hearted and often forgetful bartender and mentor to Sam Malone. His warmth and comedic timing made Coach one of the most memorable characters during the show’s early seasons. Before Cheers, Colasanto had a long career in television and film, appearing in shows like Starsky & Hutch and directing episodes of Bonanza and Hawaii Five-O.
His passing deeply affected the Cheers cast and crew, and his absence was later acknowledged on the show. His character was written out, and in tribute, Woody Harrelson was introduced as the new bartender, Woody Boyd, starting in Season 4. A touching moment came later in the series when a plaque of Colasanto’s in his dressing room was placed on the set in the bar, where it remained throughout the show’s run.
Fun fact: The iconic "Coach's plaque" that hangs in the Cheers bar was originally in Nicholas Colasanto’s dressing room. The cast kept it on set as a tribute to their late co-star.
Trivia question: What character replaced Coach as the bartender at Cheers following Nicholas Colasanto’s passing?
