Ángel Salazar, the actor best known as Al Pacino’s trusted sidekick “Chi Chi” in the 1983 film Scarface, has died. Salazar passed away in his sleep at a friend’s home in Brooklyn, NY Sunday, his rep and longtime friend Ann Wingsong confirmed to TMZ. He was 68.
A cause of death was not revealed, but Wingsong told the publication Salazar suffered from heart issues.
Salazar collected more than 50 acting credits over the course of his 45-year career, but it was his role as Chi Chi, Tony Montana’s (Pacino) devoted henchman in the Brian de Palma-directed Scarface for which he is best remembered. One of the more memorable scenes is the “chainsaw” scene where he saved Tony’s life. He starred alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, F. Murray Abraham, Robert Loggia and Mark Margolis in the film, written by Oliver Stone.
He went on to co-star with Tom Hanks in the 1988 film Punchline as Rico, and he reunited with Pacino in 1993’s Carlito’s Way in the role of Walberto, also directed by De Palma.
His other film credits include 1980’s Where the Buffalo Roam, 1982’s A Stranger is Watching, 1984’s The Wild Life and as Tommy John in 1985’s Sylvester.
His earliest role was in Boulevard Nights, Michael Pressman’s 1979 reflection on Los Angeles gang life, according to IMDb.
His television work includes On Our Own, The New $treetz Seriez, Jersey Mafia Chronicles and In Living Color. Salazar also appeared on Last Comic Standing and several HBO comedy specials.
At the time of his death he was reprising his role as Chi Chi in The Brooklyn Premiere from Brooklyn born director Eric Spade Rivas, where he reunited with Steven Bauer (Manolo) from Scarface.
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