Michael Galeota

Michael James Galeota was born on Aug. 28, 1984 in Smithtown, NY. He began acting professionally at the young age of six, making his career debut with a recurring role on the television series "The Baby-Sitters Club" (HBO 1990). Not long after, Galeota had a central role in a Christmas-themed comedy short "Secret Santa" (1994), playing opposite television vet David Canary. Galeota made his feature debut in the comedy film "Bushwacked" (1995), playing a boy scout in a troop led by a conniving Daniel Stern. Next, Galeota landed the titular role on the short-lived children's TV series "Bailey Kipper's P.O.V." (CBS 1996-97). Galeota's character was a hyper-intellectual 11-year-old boy obsessed with spying on his family and friends by way of elaborate surveillance equipment that he created himself. After costarring alongside his brother Jimmy Galeota in the comedy film "Clubhouse Detectives" (1996), Michael landed what would become his most prominent credit: a costarring role on the television series "The Jersey" (Disney Channel 1999-2004). Galeota played Nick Lighter, one of four friends who find themselves in possession of a magical football jersey. Galeota did not act professionally following the cancelation of "The Jersey." On Jan. 10, 2016, he died suddenly at the age of 31 following a bout of abdominal pains.