Sopranos and The Wire actor dead at 84 as fans pay tribute

The daughter of Charley Scalies, best known for his roles in The Wire and the Sopranos, has confirmed that the actor has died after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The star portrayed Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa in 12 episodes of The Wire and starred as Tony Soprano's childhood football coach, Coach Molinaro in the Mafia series.

His death was revealed to the Hollywood Reporter on Sunday (May 4) by his child, Anne Marie Scalies. "Charley emphasised the importance of family, stating that loving their mother, spending quality time, and teaching respect and hard work were key elements of fatherhood," his obituary reads.

"He believed that a father's role is to guide children toward self-sufficiency. His wife, children, and grandchildren will miss his stories but will keep him in their hearts forever."

In a 2019 interview, Charley revealed that his 2003 Wire character was one of his favourites. "As with all the other characters I've been blessed to portray, Horseface lives inside of me," he . "I invite him out to play as needed."

Tributes have been pouring in across social media for Charley, with one X user writing: "RIP Horseface, Charley Scalies."

A second typed: "Charley Scalies, known for his roles as Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa in The Wire and Coach Molinaro in The Sopranos, has died at 84. He passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's at a nursing facility in Pennsylvania. His legacy includes numerous iconic roles."

"Heartbroken to report that Charlie Scalies, Horseface on The Wire and Coach Molinaro from The Sopranos has passed away," said someone else.

The American, born on July 19, 1940, in Philadelphia, made his feature film debut in 1995's Condition Red.

In the same year, he appeared beside Al Pacino and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio in James Foley's Two Bits and as an 'Impatient Traveler in 12 Monkeys.

A year later, Charley appeared in two episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street before taking on the role of Mario in Law & Order.

In 2003, he was cast as Horseface, an incarcerated former cargo checker from IBS Local 1514. in the cult television series, The Wire.

In a 2019 interview, he revealed that his 2003 Wire character was one of his favourites. "As with all the other characters I've been blessed to portray, Horseface lives inside of me," he . "I invite him out to play as needed."

His resume also includes the films Liberty Heights, 2004's Jersey Girl with Kevin Smith, and a guest spot on Cold Case.

Charley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Angeline; his daughters Anne Marie, Christa and Angeline; sons Chuck and Tony, and his grandchildren Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic and Amelia.