Charley Scalies, the Philadelphia native whose memorable roles in The Wire and The Sopranos left a lasting impression on fans of both critically acclaimed series, has died at the age of 84.
Known for bringing gritty authenticity to every performance, Scalies portrayed Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa, a longshoreman in Season 2 of HBO’s The Wire, and Coach Molinaro in Season 5 of The Sopranos. Both roles cemented his legacy as a standout character actor in two of television’s most influential dramas.
Scalies’ passing was confirmed through an obituary posted by Moore & Snear Funeral Home in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. According to the statement, the actor died peacefully on May 1, 2025, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
While Scalies may not have always been in the spotlight, his performances helped shape iconic moments in TV history. Fans and peers alike are remembering him as a dedicated actor with a gift for bringing depth and humanity to every character he played.
