Fans mourn The Wire and The Sopranos star at 84
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It’s a sad day for fans of classic television, as news has broken that an actor—best known for his unforgettable roles in The Wire and The Sopranos—has passed away at the age of 84.
For many, he was more than just a character actor; he was a familiar face who brought warmth, grit, and authenticity to every role he played.
Born in 1940, Charles 'Charley' Scalies Jr. grew up in the heart of South Philadelphia, living above his father’s bustling pool hall.
It was here, surrounded by colourful characters and the hum of city life, that young Charley first discovered his knack for entertaining.
He would regale the pool hall’s patrons with spot-on impressions and quick-witted jokes—a talent that would later serve him well on stage and screen.
These formative years inspired Scalies to write an aptly titled It Takes Balls screenplay based on his father’s business and the vibrant community that shaped him.
His early experiences gave him a unique perspective and a deep well of stories to draw from throughout his acting career.
Unlike many actors who chase the spotlight from a young age, Scalies took a different path.
He stepped away from acting to focus on raising his family, only returning to the stage in the early 1990s.
He started with community theatre, where his passion for performance was reignited, and he soon landed roles in major films.
His big-screen break came in 1995 when he appeared alongside Al Pacino in the drama Two Bits.
That same year, he made a memorable cameo as an impatient traveller in the cult sci-fi hit 12 Monkeys, starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.
These roles marked the beginning of a prolific period for Scalies, who would go on to become a familiar face in both film and television.
For many fans, Scalies will always be remembered as Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa, the tough-as-nails union man and cargo checker in the critically acclaimed second season of The Wire.
His portrayal of Horseface brought depth and humanity to a character caught up in the struggles of Baltimore’s working class, earning him a place in the hearts of viewers and critics alike.
Scalies also made a lasting impression on fans of The Sopranos, appearing as Coach Molinaro, Tony Soprano’s high school football coach, in a memorable dream sequence during the show’s fifth season.
In this poignant scene, Coach Molinaro scolds Tony for his criminal choices, offering a rare glimpse into the mob boss’s conscience and the values he left behind.
Beyond his iconic roles in The Wire and The Sopranos, Scalies enjoyed a long and varied career in television.
He appeared in popular series such as Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and Cold Case, often playing characters who brought a sense of realism and gravitas to the screen.
His ability to inhabit a wide range of roles—from blue-collar workers to authority figures—made him a sought-after character actor and a favourite among directors and fellow actors.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Scalies remained deeply committed to his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Angeline M. Scalies, and their five children: Charles III, Angeline, Anthony, Christa Ann, and Anne Marie.
He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic, and Amelia.
Scalies’ daughter, Anne Marie, confirmed that he passed away peacefully on 1 May at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The family has requested that donations be made in his name instead of flowers to the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association—a cause close to their hearts.
Charley Scalies’ journey from the pool halls of South Philly to the screens of millions is a testament to the power of perseverance, family, and following your passion—no matter when you start.
His performances touched countless lives, and his legacy will live on through the characters he brought to life and the stories he helped tell.
For many of us, watching The Wire or The Sopranos will never be quite the same. But we can take comfort in knowing that Charley Scalies’ work will continue to inspire and entertain for generations.
Credit: YouTube
Did you have a favourite Charley Scalies moment on screen? Or perhaps you remember him from another show or film? Share your memories and tributes in the comments below.
For many, he was more than just a character actor; he was a familiar face who brought warmth, grit, and authenticity to every role he played.
Born in 1940, Charles 'Charley' Scalies Jr. grew up in the heart of South Philadelphia, living above his father’s bustling pool hall.
It was here, surrounded by colourful characters and the hum of city life, that young Charley first discovered his knack for entertaining.
He would regale the pool hall’s patrons with spot-on impressions and quick-witted jokes—a talent that would later serve him well on stage and screen.
Charley Scalies, known for roles in The Wire and The Sopranos, was remembered after their death at 84 following an Alzheimer’s battle. Credit: Facebook
These formative years inspired Scalies to write an aptly titled It Takes Balls screenplay based on his father’s business and the vibrant community that shaped him.
His early experiences gave him a unique perspective and a deep well of stories to draw from throughout his acting career.
Unlike many actors who chase the spotlight from a young age, Scalies took a different path.
He stepped away from acting to focus on raising his family, only returning to the stage in the early 1990s.
He started with community theatre, where his passion for performance was reignited, and he soon landed roles in major films.
His big-screen break came in 1995 when he appeared alongside Al Pacino in the drama Two Bits.
That same year, he made a memorable cameo as an impatient traveller in the cult sci-fi hit 12 Monkeys, starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.
These roles marked the beginning of a prolific period for Scalies, who would go on to become a familiar face in both film and television.
For many fans, Scalies will always be remembered as Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa, the tough-as-nails union man and cargo checker in the critically acclaimed second season of The Wire.
Scalies also made a lasting impression on fans of The Sopranos, appearing as Coach Molinaro, Tony Soprano’s high school football coach, in a memorable dream sequence during the show’s fifth season.
In this poignant scene, Coach Molinaro scolds Tony for his criminal choices, offering a rare glimpse into the mob boss’s conscience and the values he left behind.
Beyond his iconic roles in The Wire and The Sopranos, Scalies enjoyed a long and varied career in television.
He appeared in popular series such as Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and Cold Case, often playing characters who brought a sense of realism and gravitas to the screen.
His ability to inhabit a wide range of roles—from blue-collar workers to authority figures—made him a sought-after character actor and a favourite among directors and fellow actors.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Angeline M. Scalies, and their five children: Charles III, Angeline, Anthony, Christa Ann, and Anne Marie.
He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic, and Amelia.
Scalies’ daughter, Anne Marie, confirmed that he passed away peacefully on 1 May at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The family has requested that donations be made in his name instead of flowers to the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association—a cause close to their hearts.
Charley Scalies’ journey from the pool halls of South Philly to the screens of millions is a testament to the power of perseverance, family, and following your passion—no matter when you start.
For many of us, watching The Wire or The Sopranos will never be quite the same. But we can take comfort in knowing that Charley Scalies’ work will continue to inspire and entertain for generations.
Credit: YouTube
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