Charley Scalies, beloved for his memorable roles as Thomas ‘Horseface’ Pakusa in The Wire and as an ex-high school coach in The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 84, The Hollywood Reporter confirms.
Scalies died peacefully on May 1 at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to his daughter Anne Marie Scalies. His obituary reflects a life well-lived, highlighting that despite his on-screen fame, he was “known first and foremost as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.” It also lovingly mentions his wife, Angelina M. Scalies, as “the true love and joy of his life.”
Born in 1940 and raised in South Philadelphia, Scalies made his film debut in 1995’s Two Bits, starring Al Pacino. His acting career spanned numerous projects including Monkey 12, Jersey Girl, Liberty Heights, and appearances in multiple episodes of Law & Order.
Before and alongside his acting career, Scalies had a notable professional life as well—serving as director of sales and contracts at Clifton Precision, and later founding his own consulting firm.
Rafael Alvarez, who co-starred with Scalies in The Wire, shared a heartfelt tribute on a virtual memorial wall. Alvarez recalled how their friendship blossomed from the moment Scalies sat beside him on the first day of filming the show’s second season. “In time he became a member of my family. Miss you, Horse,” he wrote.
Scalies leaves behind a legacy both on-screen and off, survived by his wife Angelina, five children, and four grandchildren. His favorite audience, as his obituary notes, was always “seated around the dinner table”—a testament to the warmth and love that defined his life beyond the spotlight.
