Angel Salazar, a Cuban American actor famous for playing the sidekick to Al Pacino in the 1983 crime movie Scarface, has died. He was 68.
Salazar was found dead at his friend's Brooklyn home, according to rep Ann Wingsong. The cause of death was not shared but Wingsong said Salazar had heart issues.
In his most famous role, Salazar played Chi Chi, the fedora-wearing henchman who follows Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Pacino) to the top of Miami's criminal underworld.
Early on in the movie, Chi Chi helps rescue Montana from a group of ruthless drug dealers in a memorable and graphic scene involving a chainsaw.
Eventually, Chi Chi suffers a grim fate alongside Montana as the avaricious drug lord meets his downfall in the movie's iconic final scene.
While controversial for its graphic depictions of violence, Scarface later became a cult classic of the 1980s. Directed by Brian DePalma, the movie also starred Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, F. Murray Abraham, Robert Loggia and Mark Margolis.
Salazar's first screen roles were in the 1979 gangster movies Boulevard Nights and Walk Proud. He also had minor roles in Where The Buffalo Roam and A Stranger Is Watching before landing the role of Chi Chi.
The actor joined Pacino again in De Palma's 1993 crime drama Carlito's Way. Salazar appeared in several other movies in the 1980s and early 1990s, such 1988's Punchline, starring Tom Hanks, 1985's Sylvester, and 1990's Maniac Cop 2.
Salazar was also a comedian, appearing in Last Comic Standing, one episode of In Living Color and several HBO comedy specials. The actor had 17 different projects in various stages of production at his time of death.
He reprised the role of Chi Chi in the upcoming comedy The Brooklyn Premiere, where he reunited with Steven Bauer, who played Manny in Scarface.
Recording artist Tito Puente Jr. called Salazar an "amazing actor and good friend."
Rest in peace Angel Salazar "chichi" you were an amazing actor and good friend hermano. From scarface to carlito's way your characters and comedy will be forever missed..😔 @angelsalazarchichi #chichi #angelsalazar #restinpeace #🙏 pic.twitter.com/hRGJAdgaU5
— Tito Puente, Jr. (@titopuentejr) August 12, 2024
Comedian Adam Hunter wrote, "RIP to my friend Angel Salazar. Worked together a few months ago. Comedy legend."
RIP.
