John Mengatti (September 21, 1954 – March 26, 2023) was an American actor primarily known for his role as Nick Vitaglia, Salami's cousin, on the CBS television series The White Shadow. Mengatti joined the cast midway through the second season and was a fan favorite with his distinctive New York–style accent.[1] In 1982 he had guest appearances on The Facts of Life and CHiPs. In 1984, he appeared in Meatballs Part II.

John Mengatti
Backstage at the Kodak Theatre, December 2009
Born(1954-09-21)September 21, 1954
DiedMarch 26, 2023(2023-03-26) (aged 68)
Occupation(s)Actor, producer
Years active1972–2023
SpouseLisa Nash-Jones (2006–present)

After The White Shadow, Mengatti had sparse television and movie acting roles until 1986. He dropped out of acting for a while, but recently resurfaced on NYPD Blue in 2001 in a recurring role as Officer Howard.

Mengatti also appeared in Knights of the City, a 1986 action adventure film starring Leon Isaac Kennedy, Nicholas Campbell and Janine Turner. It was directed by Dominic Orlando and written by Leon Isaac Kennedy and filmed in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood, Florida.

Mengatti died on March 26, 2023, at the age of 68.[2]

Filmography

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Film
Year Title Role Notes
1982 Tag: The Assassination Game Randy Simonetti
1984 Meatballs Part II Armand "Flash" Carducci
1986 Knights of the City Mookie
1987 Hadley's Rebellion Bobby Clark
1991 Dead Men Don't Die Officer Ramirez
2004 Land of the Free? Walker
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1979–81 The White Shadow Nick Vitaglia Main cast (34 episodes)
1982 Taxi The Boy Episode: "Nina Loves Alex"
1982 The Facts of Life Paul Largo Episode: "Jo's Cousin"
1982 9 to 5 Fast Freddie Episode: "The Party's Over"
1982 CHiPs Boz Episode: "This Year's Riot"
1983–84 For Love and Honor Pvt. Dominick Petrizzo Main cast (12 episodes)
1984 E/R Jake Episode: "All Tied Up"
1985 Stir Crazy Pepper Episode: "Pilot"
1986 Cagney & Lacey Billy De Salvo Episode: "Act of Conscience"
2001–02 NYPD Blue Officer Howard Recurring role (2 episodes)

References

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  1. ^ "New York Minute: John Mengatti Joins the White Shadow".
  2. ^ "Summer 2023". SAG-AFTRA magazine. p. 49. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
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