Coach Ernie Pantusso - Casting

Casting

Former umpire Ron Luciano auditioned for Coach Ernie Pantusso, but he failed to get the part because producers "wanted an experienced actor". Robert Prosky, who later appeared in the eleventh season episode "Daddy's Little Middle-Aged Girl" (1992) as Rebecca Howe's Navy father, was offered the role of Coach, but he turned down the role. Therefore, the role was given to Nicholas Colasanto. According to Colasanto, Coach was nearly "child-like" and more of a surrogate "son" than a surrogate "father" to Sam Malone (Ted Danson), while Sam was more of a "father" to Coach for dependency on Sam's "moral support". Moreover, Coach was beloved by everyone and a good "lovable man". According to director and producer James Burrows, the character of Coach was much different from the actor Nick: Coach was slow, while Nick was sharp.

Coach is a component of many people. is not a worldly man not well-read. He comes from the dugouts. He may be intelligent, but he's not worldly wise. He's so positive; that's what makes him funny. He'll say the most absurd thing, but, if someone corrects him, he immediately capitulates because he doesn't want to offend anyone. —Nicholas Colasanto, The Associated Press, August 1984

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