Charley Scalies, 'The Wire' and 'The Sopranos' actor, dies at 84

Born in South Philadelphia in 1940, Charley Scalies had an unconventional path to Hollywood.

Before his acting career, he was a successful business executive and founder of a consulting firm.

But in the early 1990s, he pivoted back to a lifelong passion — acting — starting in community theater productions like Guys and Dolls, Chicago, and The Wizard of Oz.

His film debut came in 1995, at the age of 55, with minor roles in Two Bits and 12 Monkeys.

Scalies made his mark on television in 1996 as Sergeant Sal Burns in Homicide: Life on the Street, a role that introduced him to writer-producer David Simon.

That connection would later lead to perhaps his most iconic performance: Thomas "Horseface" Pakusa, the loyal longshoreman in season two of The Wire (2003).

Charley Scalies as Thomas "Horseface" Pakusa in The Wire, 2003 (Screenshot: HB0)

Memorable roles and lasting legacy

In 2004, Scalies made a brief but powerful appearance in The Sopranos, playing Coach Molinaro during a surreal dream sequence in the episode "The Test Dream," where he confronts Tony Soprano over his life choices.

Charley Scalies as Coach Molinaro in The Sopranos episode "The Test Dream" (2004) (Screenshot: HB0)

His family confirmed the actor "passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer's on Thursday May 1, 2025," according to an obituary posted by Moore & Snear Funeral Home.

The tribute described Scalies as "a former business executive whose life reflected a rich blend of professional achievement, creative passion, and a true joy for life. His favorite audience was always seated around the dinner table."

Charley Scalies is survived by his wife of 62 years, five children, and four grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of late-life reinvention and unforgettable performances.