Actor Charley Scalies, best known for his roles in 'The Wire' and 'The Sopranos', passes away at the age of 84.
Hangin' with the Sopranos: Charley Scalies and His Memorable Roles
Hey there, folks! Let's dive into some old-school entertainment reminiscence. Remember Charley Scalies, the guy who left us wanting more after appearing on "The Sopranos" for five seasons? Well, sadly, he's no longer with us since he passed away at 84 on May 1, 2025.
Scalies, a born and bred South Philly guy, kicked off his career by entertaining everyone at his dad's pool hall. He grew up living above the business and hilariously notes that he honed his acting chops by doing impressions there[2][3]. After a stint running a consulting firm, Scalies got the acting bug once more, starting with community theater productions in Pennsylvania[4].
Ah, yes, "The Sopranos" – the very show that Scalies left our hearts pulsating for more! He played Tony Soprano's high school football coach and remained an unforgettable character for many[5]. Not to mention his time on "The Wire," where he portrayed the infamous Thomas "Horseface" Pakusa[5].
And that folks, isn't just the tip of the iceberg. Scalies made appearances in films such as "12 Monkeys," "Liberty Heights," "Jersey Girl" and "Condition Red," among others[4][5]. In fact, he didn't just act, but also penned a screenplay titled "It Takes Balls" which was inspired by his dad's pool hall[2].
Don't fret, though! The fantastic Charley Scalies lives on for many, as his characters still linger in the hearts of his fellow thespians and fans. For instance, he revealed in an interview that "Horseface" is still a part of him and likes to bring him out when needed[6].
Now, if you're a fan of Charley Scalies, then head on over to our website for more entertainment news and updates! We've got a lot more where that came from, and we're sure you'll enjoy it just as much as you enjoyed Scalies' performances[7].
P.S. If you haven't already, make sure you sign up for our entertainment newsletter to stay in the loop for all things entertainment[7].
[1] Charley Scalies, an American actor born in July 19, 1940, in South Philadelphia.[2] Scalies honed his acting skills by doing impressions at his father's pool hall during his childhood.[3] After taking a hiatus from the entertainment industry to run a consulting firm, he returned to acting in the early 1990s.[4] Scalies began his career in theater, landing roles in "Guys and Dolls," "Chicago" and "The Wizard of Oz."[5] His most notable roles include appearances in "The Sopranos," "The Wire," "12 Monkeys," and various other films.[6] After the end of his time on "The Wire," Scalies revealed that "Horseface" continues to live within him, coming out to play whenever needed.[7] For more entertainment news and updates, don't forget to sign up for our entertainment newsletter!
- In remembrance of Charley Scalies, who passed away in 2025, we're inviting entertainment lovers to join our newsletter for updates on celebrities and their remarkable journeys.
- Although Scalies is no longer with us, his roles in iconic shows like 'The Sopranos' and 'The Wire' have left an indelible mark, with his character 'Horseface' still resonating within him.
- In 2025, when Charley Scalies, the talented soprano, survived until his 84th year before his passing, he had already made a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
- In the year 2025, entertainment celebrities can look forward to accepting an invitation from the Sopranos' beloved character, Charley Scalies, who, despite having passed away, continues to captivate audiences through his memorable roles.
