Michael Galeota

Michael James Galeota (August 28, 1984 – January 10, 2016) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Nick Lighter in the Disney Channel series The Jersey.

Early life Galeota was born in Smithtown, New York. He had three brothers: David, Tony and Jimmy. Galeota graduated from Bellarmine-Jefferson High School in 2002.

Death In January 2016, Galeota was hospitalized after complaining of abdominal pains, but left treatment against doctor's orders. On January 10, he was found dead by a friend at his home in Glendale, California. He was 31 years old. No precise cause of death was released, but the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office stated that Galeota had several health problems, including hypertension and high cholesterol. He also suffered from diverticulitis. An autopsy was pending

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 1991 Women & Men 2 Andy Meadows Television film 1994 Secret Santa Clay Short film 1995 Bushwhacked Dana Jareki 1996 Clubhouse Detectives Billy Ruckman Rattled Adam Television film 1999 Can't Be Heaven Archie Larocca 2003 Missing Brendan Sean Calden (age 16)

Television Year Title Role Notes 1990 The Baby-Sitters Club David Michael Thomas 2 episodes 1995 ER Joseph O'Connor Episode: "Days Like This" 1996 Bailey Kipper's P.O.V. Bailey Kipper 13 episodes 1997 Profiler Ace Episode: "Blue Highway" Ally McBeal Billy Thomas (ages 12–14) Episode: "Pilot" 1999–2004 The Jersey Nick Lighter 56 episodes 2001 The Nightmare Room Todd Rossi 2 episodes