Sopranos and The Wire Actor Charley Scalies Dies at 84 After Alzheimer’s Battle

This title concisely highlights his notable roles, age, and cause of death while maintaining clarity and brevity.

Charley Scalies, Beloved Actor from The Wire and The Sopranos, Dies at 84

Charley Scalies, the character actor known for his roles in The Wire and The Sopranos, passed away on May 1 at age 84 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed his death at a Pennsylvania nursing home.

Scalies was best known for his role as Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa, a stevedore in The Wire’s second season, which explored the struggles of Baltimore dockworkers. His character navigated the moral complexities of smuggling contraband to survive economic decline. Scalies humorously admitted to Chesapeake Bay Magazine that his only exposure to dock life was through the show: “The only time I met a stevedore was after I was cast.”

He also appeared in The Sopranos as Coach Molinaro, the high school football coach of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini). In a poignant dream sequence, the character symbolized Tony’s buried insecurities. The episode, directed by Allen Coulter, highlighted Scalies’ ability to blend gravitas with subtlety.

A devoted family man, Scalies was described in his obituary as a “husband, father, and grandfather first.” He cherished time with loved ones, often saying his “favorite audience was around the dinner table.”

Fans and colleagues mourned his passing online, celebrating his authenticity. One Wire fan wrote, “R.I.P. to the legend—he’s still on the clock,” referencing his character’s loyalty. Another praised his portrayal of Coach Molinaro as “a masterclass in subtle storytelling.”

Scalies’ legacy lives on through his impactful, understated performances and the warmth he shared off-screen. His daughter emphasized, “He brought the same heart to his family that he did to his roles.”

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