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Coach
Coach was a sweet absent-minded bartender who worked with Sam. A former pro baseball coach and manager, he liked to share memories of his good old days, no matter how fuzzy, with his customers. Sadly, in 1985, Nicholas Colasanto passed away, and therefore Coach did as well. Against the far wall on the set of Cheers is a picture of the Indian Geronimo. This picture hung in Nicholas’ dressing room and was hung on the wall of the set after he passed away. The picture was a constant reminder that Coach would always be looking after Sam. At the end of the last episode after Sam says those now famous words, “Sorry, we’re closed,” he walks over to the picture and straightens it as if he was saying good-bye to his old coach and friend.
Nicholas Colasanto was born in Providence, Rhode Island. Nicky had a very credible career in the film business before he found a spot on Cheers. His most notable role was in the film Raging Bull where he played Tommy Como. Nick passed away on February 12, 1985. He died half-way through the season on Cheers. The next season they added Coach’s death into the script. He died of a heart ailment in Studio City, California. |
