Angel Salazar, the actor best known for his role as Chi Chi, Al Pacino‘s loyal sidekick in the iconic gangster film Scarface, has passed away at the age of 68. Salazar‘s close friend and representative, Ann Wingsong, shared that the actor died peacefully in his sleep over the weekend at a friend’s home in Brooklyn.
According to TMZ, the exact cause of death was not disclosed, but it was noted that Salazar had been dealing with heart issues.
“Got home from filming to find out my dear close friend Angel Salazar passed away,” actress Kadrolsha Ona Carole wrote.
“Angel and I worked together for years. I will miss his silly antics and cheerful laughter. Super sad. Love you my friend. May you rest in peace.”
Angel Salazar career
Salazar rose to fame early in his career with his portrayal of Chi Chi, the dedicated henchman of Pacino’s Tony Montana in the 1983 classic directed by Brian DePalma.
Fans of Scarface will remember Chi Chi’s crucial role in saving Tony during the intense “chainsaw scene,” as well as his tragic end at the hands of a hit squad in the film’s bloody climax.
Beyond Scarface, Salazar had a memorable career, appearing alongside Tom Hanks in the 1988 dramedy Punchline and reuniting with Pacino in the 1993 drama Carlito’s Way. He was also a successful comedian, with several HBO comedy specials and a stint on Last Comic Standing.
Salazar’s filmography includes other notable works such as Boulevard Nights, Walk Proud, Hot to Trot, and Maniac Cop 2 among others.
“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,” recording artist Tito Puente wrote.