The Sopranos star Charley Scalies dies at age 84

Actor Charley Scalies has passed away at the age of 84. He died on Thursday, May 2, 2025. His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. She shared that he died at a nursing home in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Charley Scalies was best known for his roles in two popular HBO shows: The Sopranos and The Wire. In The Wire, he played a dockworker named Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa. He was a union checker at the Baltimore docks.

In a 2019 interview with Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Charley said, “The only time I’ve even been on the docks is when I worked on The Wire. And the only time I met a stevedore was shortly after I was cast as Horseface.”

He also said, “As with all the other characters I’ve been blessed to portray, Horseface lives inside of me. I invite him out to play as needed.”

Charley was born and raised in Pennsylvania. He did not start his acting career until later in life. Before acting, he worked in sales and business.

His work in The Wire made him a fan favorite. The show’s fans remember him for his strong performance and honest portrayal of a working man. His role in The Sopranos also added to his fame.

Charley Scalies leaves behind a lasting legacy in TV drama. He will be missed by fans, friends, and his family.