Charley Scalies, a beloved character actor best known for his roles on The Wire and The Sopranos, has passed away, with reports confirming his death. Throughout his career, Scalies left a mark on television and stage, portraying gritty, memorable roles that resonated with audiences.
Here’s what we know so far about Charley Scalies’ death.
Charley Scalies cause of death explained
Charley Scalies, known for his roles on The Wire and The Sopranos, died on May 1, 2025, at the age of 84.
His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed he passed away at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Scalies played Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa in Season 2 of The Wire. He appeared in all 12 episodes as a loyal member of the Port of Baltimore’s IBS Local 1514 and a devoted ally to Frank Sobotka (Chris Bauer). In The Sopranos, he portrayed Coach Molinaro in the Season 5 episode “The Test Dream.” His character appears in a dream, where he criticizes Tony Soprano for choosing a life of crime.
Born Charles Joseph Scalies Jr. on July 19, 1940, in Philadelphia, he grew up above his father’s pool hall in South Philadelphia. As a child, he entertained patrons with jokes and Al Jolson impressions. In high school and college, he performed comedy routines with a friend, imitating Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. After graduating from St. Joseph’s College, he worked in business before returning to acting in the early 1990s.
He performed in community theater productions such as Guys & Dolls, Chicago, and The Wizard of Oz with the St. Francis Players in Pennsylvania. Scalies also appeared in films including 12 Monkeys, Liberty Heights, Two Bits, and Jersey Girl. His television credits included Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and Cold Case.
He was married to Angeline for 62 years and is survived by their children Chuck, Angeline, Tony, Christa, and Anne Marie, and grandchildren Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic, and Amelia. His family described him as “best known first and foremost as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.”
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
