Remembering Charlie Scullies: A Life in Theater and Film

Charlie Scullies passed away on Thursday at the age of 84. His daughter, Anne Marie Scully, shared a heartfelt statement, noting a running joke in the family about being their father’s favorite child. “My brother likes to fight me for the title, but I’m sure it was me!” she remarked.

Anne Marie reflected on her father’s passion for performance, highlighting that, aside from time spent with family, he was always eager to be on stage. “Even in his last weeks, he was in rehearsals and excited about sharing stories with young actors about his days on HBO,” she said. Rafael Alvarez, a fellow writer, shared a close bond with him, often referring to him as a brother.

Remembering a Hollywood Star

Scullies, who passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on May 1, was best known for his role as Tony Soprano’s high school football coach in “The Sopranos” and as Pakusa in “The Wire.” He once mentioned that all his characters, like Horseface, stayed within him and he drew inspiration from them, saying, “I’ll invite him to play if necessary.”

His theatrical journey began with roles in productions such as “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” He also wrote a screenplay titled “It Takes Balls,” inspired by his childhood experiences at his father’s pool hall. Over the years, Scullies appeared in films like “12 Monkeys,” “Liberty Heights,” “Jersey Girl,” and “Condition Red,” with his most recent television appearance in “Cold Case” in 2008.

Anne Marie fondly remembered her father in an Instagram tribute, sharing a photo of them together. “You were my first love,” she wrote, expressing her gratitude and stating that he continued to guide her, even during his illness. “I find comfort in knowing you are at peace now,” she added.

Charlie Scullies is survived by his wife Angeline and their children, Chuck, Angeline, Tony, Christa, and Anne Marie, as well as grandchildren Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic, and Amelia.