Charley Scalies, a warm-hearted actor best remembered for his authentic portrayals in The Wire and The Sopranos, passed away peacefully at the age of 84, leaving behind a family who adored him and a fan base that admired his quietly powerful presence on screen.
His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed the news, sharing that he died in a Phoenixville, Pennsylvania nursing home after a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Though he was best known for roles that often placed him in gritty, hard-nosed environments, those closest to him remember him simply as “Dad” and “Pop Pop”—a man who made everyone laugh and always had time for one more story.
From Comedy Clubs to Cable TV
Born on July 19, 1940, in Philadelphia, Charley Scalies didn’t set out to be a TV star. In fact, he spent much of his early life far away from the entertainment industry. He first got into comedy in his twenties, performing in local clubs, but put that on hold to focus on raising a family and building a career in business. For years, he worked as a sales director and later ran his own consulting firm.
But the performer in him never really disappeared.
In his 50s, with his kids grown and time finally on his side, Charley stepped back into the world of acting. And this time, he stuck with it.
He landed small parts in major productions—12 Monkeys, Jersey Girl, and Liberty Heights. But it was his role as Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa in Season 2 of The Wire that cemented his status as a beloved character actor. As a blue-collar dockworker caught in a changing world, Scalies brought heart and humanity to a role that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Fans still mention his quiet intensity and his ability to make every moment feel real.
He later made a brief appearance on The Sopranos, playing Coach Molinaro in a surreal dream sequence. Even in just one scene, he left an impression.
A Devoted Family Man
While his roles touched millions, Scalies’ proudest legacy wasn’t on screen—it was around the dinner table. He and his wife, Angeline, were married for more than 60 years. Together, they raised five children and welcomed four grandchildren into their lives. He adored them all.
“He could fill a room with laughter,” his daughter Anne Marie said in a heartfelt Facebook post. “But his favorite stage was our kitchen. That’s where his best performances happened—over spaghetti and stories.”
Friends describe him as kind, generous with his time, and a masterful storyteller. “I became instant friends with your Dad when I sat next to him at lunch on the first day of shooting Season Two of The Wire,” wrote Rafael Alvarez, a writer for the series. “He was warm, genuine, and just a joy to be around.”
A Quiet Goodbye
Charley spent his final years surrounded by family, even as Alzheimer’s slowly took pieces of him away. Despite the challenges, his children say he never lost the gentle spirit that defined him.
He passed away on May 1, 2025, in the early morning hours. His family was by his side.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 8, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The family has asked for donations to be made in his honor to organizations supporting Alzheimer’s research and caregiver support.
A Life Fully Lived
Charley Scalies didn’t chase the spotlight. He didn’t need to. With just a few roles and a lot of heart, he carved out a place for himself in both television history and the lives of those who knew him best. He was a late bloomer, a loyal husband, a loving father, and someone who never let go of what made him happiest: making others laugh.
In a world often defined by noise and ego, Charley was something rare—quiet, steady, real.
He will be missed. But his stories, both on and off screen, will live on.
