Charley Scalies, an actor known for roles classic HBO shows “The Sopranos” and “The Wire,” has died. He was 84 years old.
Anne Marie Scalies, his daughter, told The Hollywood Reporter her father died Thursday at a Pennsylvania nursing home from Alzheimer’s disease.
A Philadelphia native, he appeared in a number of movies and TV shows produced in the area, including “12 Monkeys” and “Jersey Girl.”
Scalies had a memorable turn in an episode of “The Sopranos” as Coach Molinaro, Tony’s high school football coach who tried to steer him away from friends who would get him in trouble and who the mob boss still dreams about.
He also appeared in season two of “The Wire” as Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa, a Baltimore dock worker who is pro-union and staunchly loyal to his boss Frank Sabotka.
Scalies’ final acting credits were 2008 episodes of “Cold Case” and “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Acccording to his obituary, he also penned a script inspired by his father’s South Philadelphia pool room.
“Professionally, Charley Scalies was an American actor and former business executive whose life reflected a rich blend of professional achievement, creative passion, and a true joy for life. His favorite audience was always seated around the dinner table,” his obituary reads.
He is survived by wife Angeline Scalies, children Charles Scalies III, Angeline Kogut, Anthony Scalies, Christa Ann Scalies, and Anne Marie Scalies and grandchildren Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic and Amelia Scalies.
