John Mengatti (May 21, 1954 – March 26, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Nick Vitale in the hit television series *The White Shadow* (known in Italy as *Time Out*), which he played from 1979 to 1981. This character, an exuberant Italian-American student and talented basketball player, earned him great popularity among audiences. During the 1980s, his career continued with numerous guest appearances in popular television series, including *CHiPs*, *Knight Rider*, *Taxi*, and *The A-Team*. On the big screen, one of his most recognizable roles was in the 1984 comedy film *Meatballs Part II*. Following this period of intense activity, his film and television appearances became less frequent, leading him to pursue other professional activities outside of the entertainment industry.