Off The Record

Legendary ‘Scarface’ Actor Is Dead At 68

Published on August 23, 2024

At the age of 68, actor Angel Salazar, who gained popularity for playing Chi Chi in the popular 1983 movie “Scarface,” has passed away.

Salazar’s representative, Ann Wingsong, confirmed to TMZ that the actor “passed away in his sleep” at his friend’s Brooklyn home “over the weekend.”

When a buddy went to see how the actor was doing on Sunday morning, they discovered his body in bed.

Although Salazar’s official cause of death is unknown, Wingsong claimed that Salazar had multiple cardiac problems.

Early in his career, the actor, who was born in 1956, landed the role of Chi Chi, who was Al Pacino’s sidekick in the well-known Tony Montana character.

In addition, Michelle Pfeiffer played Montana’s mistress, Elvira Hancock, who later marries him, and Steven Bauer played Montana’s sidekick, Manny Ribera, in the gangster movie.

In addition to being an immediate cult classic, the movie nominated Pacino for a Golden Globe for best actor.

Salazar also appeared in several other films, including the 1980 film “Where the Buffalo Roam,” 1982’s “A Stranger is Watching,” and the 1984 film “The Wild Life.”

The following year, he appeared in “Sylvester,” as well as the 1988 film “Punchline,” before securing a role in another hit film, 1993’s “Carlito’s Way,” which also starred Pacino.

Salazar also appeared in several TV shows, including “On Our Own,” “The New $treetz Seriez,” “Jersey Mafia Chronicles,” and “In Living Color.”

In addition, the actor claimed to have experience in stand-up comedy. He later starred in other HBO comedy specials.

His creation of the term “Sheck it out!” made him most famous.

Salazar recently got an extension to his “Last Comic Standing” NBC sitcom.

Earlier last month, the Silver Legacy resort and casino in Reno, Nevada, hosted his farewell show. Salazar gave a performance on August 1–August 4.

Following the actor’s passing, a large number of his friends and fellow comedians rushed to social media to offer their condolences.

Recording artist Tito Puente wrote, “Rest in peace, Angel Salazar ‘chichi’. You were an amazing actor and good friend, Hermano. From Scarface to Carloe’s way, your characters and comedy will be forever missed.”

Meanwhile, actress Kadrolsha Ona Carole wrote, “I went home from filming to find out my dear close friend Angel Salazar had passed away. Angel and I worked together for years.”

“I will miss his silly antics and cheerful laughter. Super sad. I love you, my friend. May you rest in peace,” she added.

Comedian Auggie Smith wrote, “R.I.P. Angel Salazar. I watched him absolutely murder one night at The Icehouse. He crushed for 90 straight minutes right after I had ate it. I would’ve loved to blame my set on the crowd but Angel made that impossible.”

“RIP to my friend Angel Salazar. We worked together a few months ago. Comedy legend,” comedian Adam Hunter wrote.