Hollywood mourns the loss of Charley Scalies, the talented American actor who graced two of HBO’s most iconic shows, ‘The Wire’ and ‘The Sopranos.’ Scalies passed away on May 1 after a courageous fight against Alzheimer’s disease, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with fans and loved ones alike.

His obituary paints a picture of a man whose life extended beyond his television fame; he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. "[He was] best known first and foremost as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend," it read. With a career that seamlessly blended professional accomplishments with an abundant zest for life, his truest joys were found gathered around the family dinner table.

A Star in Two Worlds of Television

Charley Scalies made a memorable mark in Season 2 of ‘The Wire,’ embodying the character Horseface. As a Baltimore longshoreman entangled with the criminal underbelly and fiercely loyal to his boss Frank Sobotka, Scalies brought a compelling depth to the role that captivated audiences across all 12 episodes.

In 'The Sopranos,' his appearance as Coach Molinaro in the Season 5 episode ‘The Test Dream’ was unforgettable. In a poignant dream sequence, he confronted Tony Soprano with a haunting reminder of the life choices he had made.

A Diverse Career Beyond the Screens

Scalies’ talent wasn't confined to just those two series. His impressive television repertoire includes guest spots in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ ‘Law & Order,’ ‘Law & Order: SVU,’ and ‘Cold Case.’ On the big screen, he added his touch to films such as ‘12 Monkeys,’ ‘Liberty Heights,’ ‘Jersey Girl,’ and ‘Two Bits.’

Additionally, Scalies made significant contributions to the theater, showcasing his versatility in productions with the St. Francis Players in Springfield, Pennsylvania. His performances in classics like ‘Guys and Dolls,’ ‘Chicago,’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ displayed not just his acting prowess but his passion for the stage.

A Legacy of Love and Family

Charley leaves behind a loving family including his wife, Angeline M. Scalies—the ‘true love and joy of his life’—and his five children: Charles III, Angeline Kogut, Anthony Scalies, Christa Ann Scalise, and Anne Marie Scalies. As we remember the man behind the characters, we celebrate a life well-lived, both on screen and off.