Nicholas Colasanto was born January 19,1924 in Providence, Rhode Island. He served in the US Navy in the Second World War and was awarded medals for his service. When he returned from war, Nicholas became an accountant for an oil company.

Legend has it he was bitten by the acting bug at age 28 when he saw legendary leading-man Henry Fonda perform on stage. Nicholas took a chance and joined a theater company in Phoenix, Arizona. From there, he went back to the East Coast, to New York City and acted in off-Broadway productions. Eventually, Nicholas earned a little money when he landed a commercial for laundry soap. In 1965, he traveled to Hollywood, got into directing and continued to act as well. 1960's and 70's directing credits include episodes of Bonanza, Columbo, S.W.A.T., ChiPs, Starsky and Hutch and Logan's Run. His TV acting credits during the same period included I Spy, My Favorite Martian, Mission: Impossible, Mannix, Kojak, Baretta and Lou Grant. In 1980 he played mob boss Tommy Como in the much-lauded film Raging Bull.

Though accustomed to dramatic roles, in 1982 Nicholas was cast in the comedic role of Ernie "Coach" Pantusso, the trusting, absent-minded and lovable bartender on Cheers. He earned an Emmy nomination for his work and stayed with the show until he died of heart failure on February 15th, 1985.