Charley Scalies, the beloved character actor best known for his gritty roles in The Wire and The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 84.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scalies died on Thursday at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed the news.
Scalies’ acting career took off in the mid-1990s, landing small roles in acclaimed films such as “Two Bits” alongside Al Pacino, and the cult sci-fi favorite “12 Monkeys” starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.
However, it was his portrayal of Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa in Season 2 of HBO’s The Wire that earned him his most memorable role. As a blue-collar union worker with a knack for stealing cars, Scalies appeared in all 12 episodes of the season, cementing his place in TV history.
In 2004, he made a notable appearance on The Sopranos, playing Coach Molinaro, Tony Soprano’s old high school football coach who confronts him in a dream sequence, scolding him for his life choices.
Scalies’ extensive TV and film resume also includes roles in Law & Order, Cold Case, Liberty Heights, Jersey Girl, and Condition Red.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Angeline, their five children—Chuck, Angeline, Tony, Christa, and Anne Marie—as well as several grandchildren.
Charley Scalies was 84 years old.
Rest in peace, Charley. Your work lives on.
