Angel Salazar dead at 68: Scarface star who played Al Pacino’s sidekick in iconic gangster film dies in friend’s bedroom

Actor Ángel Salazar, who played Al Pacino’s soldier Chi Chi in the 1983 crime film Scarface, has died at the age of 68.

The Cuban-American actor’s representative and confidante, Ann Wingsong, said TMZ Salazar, who had heart problems, died on Sunday while sleeping at a friend’s house.

Wingsong told the outlet that a friend checked on Salazar and found him lifeless in his bed. Wingsong’s cause of death was not immediately released, the outlet said.

Salazar played a criminal henchman of Pacino’s drug lord Tony Montana in the film, which also starred Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and F. Murray Abraham, as well as the late actors Paul Shenar and Robert Loggia.

Salazar appeared in films such as 1982’s A Stranger Is Watching, 1980’s Where the Buffalo Roam, 1979’s Walk Proud and 1979’s Boulevard Nights before landing his career-defining role in the film starring Brian De Palma.

Actor Ángel Salazar, who played Al Pacino’s soldier Chi Chi in the 1983 crime film Scarface, has died at the age of 68. Pictured last year in New Jersey

Salazar’s character Chi Chi was portrayed alongside Pacino’s Tony Montana in the 1983 crime film during a scene where the crime boss was caught laundering money

In the film’s storyline, Chi Chi comes to Montana’s aid after he is attacked with a chainsaw during a drug deal gone wrong.

Chi Chi also sat next to Montana during a scene where the crime boss was caught laundering money.

The character Chi Chi dies during the film’s famous final confrontation, after being shot in the back during an attack by a group of assailants led by Scarface rival Alejandro Sosa.

Other major films Salazar appeared in include 1985’s Sylvester, 1990’s Maniac Cop 2, 1988’s Punchline with Tom Hanks, 1988’s Hot to Trot, and the 1993 film Carlito’s Way, a reunion with De Palma and Pacino.

He also made several appearances on TV shows such as On Our Own, The New $treetz Seriez, Jersey Mafia Chronicles and In Living Color.

Salazar also had a background in stand-up comedy, appearing in several HBO specials and appearing in the series Last Comic Standing.

According to iMDb, Salazar had 17 different projects in various stages of production as of Sunday.

Salazar was warmly remembered by his friends and colleagues when news of his passing broke on Sunday. Many took to X/Twitter to remember the late artist.

The actor-comedian was photographed in New York in March 2012

Salazar also had a background in stand-up comedy, having appeared in several specials for HBO and appeared in the series Last Comic Standing

Salazar was warmly remembered by his friends and colleagues upon hearing the news of his passing on Sunday, as many took to X/Twitter to remember the late entertainer

Tito Puente, an artist and bandleader, said: ‘Rest in peace Angel Salazar “chichi”, you were a great actor and good friend hermano.

“From Scarface to Carlito’s Way, your characters and comedy will be forever missed.”

Actress Kadrolsha Ona Carole said: ‘I came home from filming to find out that my dear good friend Angel Salazar had passed away. Angel and I worked together for years. I will miss his crazy antics and cheerful laugh. So sad. I love you my friend. May you rest in peace.’

Comedian Auggie Smith wrote: ‘RIP Angel Salazar. I actually saw him kill one night at The Icehouse.

“He crushed for 90 minutes straight after I ate it. I would have loved to take my set out on the crowd, but Angel made that impossible.”

Comedian Adam Hunter said: ‘RIP to my friend Angel Salazar. We worked together a few months ago. Comedy legend.’