Remembering Charley Scalies: A Talented Actor and Beloved Family Man
Charley Scalies, the talented American actor known for his roles in HBO’s “The Wire” and “The Sopranos,” passed away on May 1 after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 84.
His passing was confirmed through an online obituary, which described him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Professionally, Charley Scalies was not only an accomplished actor but also a former business executive who brought a unique blend of professional success, creative passion, and a zest for life to everything he did. His true joy came from entertaining his favorite audience seated around the dinner table.
One of Scalies’ memorable roles was in Season 2 of “The Wire,” where he portrayed Horseface, an imprisoned Baltimore longshoreman and loyal member of IBS Local 1514 under the command of Frank Sobotka.
In “The Sopranos,” Scalies made a lasting impression in the Season 5 episode “The Test Dream” as Coach Molinaro, Tony’s high school football coach who appears in Tony’s dream to question his life choices and criminal activities.
Aside from his work on these iconic shows, Scalies also graced the screens in other popular TV series like “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and “Cold Case.” His film credits include appearances in “12 Monkeys,” “Liberty Heights,” “Jersey Girl,” and “Two Bits.”
Moreover, Scalies showcased his talent on stage with the St. Francis Players in Springfield, Pa., starring in productions such as “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
He is survived by his wife, Angeline M. Scalies, whom he described as the true love and joy of his life, as well as his five children: Charles Scalies III, Angeline Kogut, Anthony Scalies, Christa Ann Scalise, and Anne Marie Scalies.