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.