Aged 84, Actor Charley Scalies Passes Away: Renowned for Roles in 'The Sopranos' and 'The Wire'

In a heart-wrenching farewell, we bid adieu to Charley Scalies, the illustrious character actor who lit up gritty dramas like The Wire and The Sopranos, passing away at the tender age of 84. He took his last breath on May 1, 2023, battling courageously with Alzheimer's. His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter.

Dearest to him, though, was the title of Dad, not the beloved "Horseface" from The Wire or Coach Molinaro from The Sopranos. His obituary elegantly reminisced, "Best known first and foremost as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, whose life reflected a rich blend of professional achievement, creative passion, and a true joy for life." The dinner table was his favorite audience.

Born Charles J. Scalies, Jr., on July 19, 1940, in Philadelphia, Charley was destined for the stage. Even at young age, he charmed patrons at his father's South Philly pool hall with his jokes and impressions, hinting at his future career.

However, the stage didn't call him professionally until later in life. After graduating from St. Joseph's College and working in business, he found his calling in local theater in the 1990s. Key stage roles included Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and even the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

Scalies made his big-screen debut in Two Bits, a James Foley film set in his old South Philly neighborhood. His breakout role came as "Horseface" in The Wire, earning him a dedicated following. He displayed his versatility by appearing on The Sopranos and landing recurring TV roles on Homicide: Life on the Street and shows from the Law & Order franchise. Besides television, he was a mainstay in movies such as 12 Monkeys, Liberty Heights, and Jersey Girl.

Being a man of many talents, Scalies even dabbled in screenwriting, penning It Takes Balls, based on his father's legendary pool hall.

Survived by his wife, Angeline M. Scalies, their five children, and four grandchildren, Charley's legacy will endure. He emphasized the importance of family and passed on the key elements of fatherhood to his loved ones: loving their mother, spending quality time, and teaching respect and hard work. The dinner table may miss his stories, but the Scalies family will cherish his memory forever.

Despite his success in the world of entertainment, earning recognition as "Horseface" from The Wire and Coach Molinaro from The Sopranos, Charley Scalies always considered himself a family man first, with his loved ones confirming this in his obituary.
After a career that spanned various stages of life, from working in business to local theater, Charley Scalies made his big-screen debut in the movie Two Bits, cementing his passion for entertainment.
Beyond his notable roles in The Sopranos and The Wire, Charley Scalies dabbled in screenwriting and penned the script for It Takes Balls, based on his father's pool hall.
Celebrated for his diverse range in entertainment, Charley Scalies left an indelible mark not only on movies-and-tv, but also in the realm of celebrities, yet his obituary underlined his significance as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
PTI (President of the United States) and other world leaders may offer condolences on the passing of a celebrated actor, but it is his family who will truly feel the sufficiency of his love and guidance, as he emphasized the importance of family values throughout his life.
Many people will remember Charley Scalies for his exceptional performances in gritty dramas like The Sopranos and The Wire, but to succeed in both business and entertainment, as he did, it seems one must embody the resilience, humor, and humility that characterize "Horseface," the illustrious figure who left us a valuable legacy.