Charley Scalies, Celebrated Character Actor, Dies at 84

Phoenixville, Pennsylvania – Charley Scalies, an American actor known for his roles in HBO’s acclaimed series “The Wire” and “The Sopranos,” passed away on May 1, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 84.

Scalies died in a nursing facility in Phoenixville, with his daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirming the news to The Hollywood Reporter. Scalies was celebrated not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his deep commitment to family, as highlighted in his obituary.

Described as “best known first and foremost as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend,” Scalies’ life was a blend of professional achievement and personal joy. “His favorite audience was always seated around the dinner table,” the obituary stated.

Scalies starred in Season 2 of “The Wire” as Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa, an imprisoned longshoreman deeply loyal to his crooked boss, Frank Sobotka. His character appeared in all 12 episodes of the season, airing in 2003.

In “The Sopranos,” he portrayed Coach Molinaro, a high school football instructor who confronts Tony Soprano about his wasted potential during a surreal dream sequence in Season 5.

Over his career, Scalies appeared in several notable television series, including “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and “Cold Case.” He also had film credits in “12 Monkeys,” “Liberty Heights,” “Jersey Girl,” and “Two Bits,” which marked his film debut in 1995.

Born Charles J. Scalies Jr. on July 19, 1940, in Philadelphia, Scalies entertained patrons at his father’s pool hall as a child. He later graduated from St. Joseph’s College before embarking on a successful career on stage and screen.

In addition to acting, Scalies had a notable business career, serving as director of sales and contracts at Clifton Precision and founding his own consulting firm.

He is survived by his wife, Angeline M. Scalies, five children – Charles Scalies III, Angeline Kogut, Anthony Scalies, Christa Ann Scalies, and Anne Marie Scalies – and four grandchildren. A service is scheduled for May 8, and the family requests donations in his memory to local charities.