Ángel Salazar Passes Away at 68

SCARFACE actor Ángel Salazar died at 68. Best known for his role as Chi Chi, Al Pacino’s loyal sidekick in Brian DePalma’s iconic gangster film, Salazar enjoyed a long and successful career.

Final Moments

Salazar passed away over the weekend while sleeping at his friend’s Brooklyn home, according to TMZ. Wingsong’s friend reported finding Salazar’s body on Sunday morning.

Cause of Death

Though the official cause of death remains undisclosed, Salazar’s representative mentioned that the actor had heart problems.

A Comedian with a Catchphrase

The Cuban actor and comedian was famous for his catchphrase, “Sheck it out,” which he used before, during, and after his jokes in stand-up routines.

Breakthrough Role in Scarface

Salazar’s career took off five roles in when he landed the part of Chi Chi, Tony Montana’s loyal bodyguard, in the 1983 cult classic Scarface. Audiences will always remember Chi Chi’s heroic moment saving Tony’s life during the intense “chainsaw scene” and his tragic death at the hands of a hit squad hired by drug lord Alejandro Sosa.

Other Notable Roles

Salazar later starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1988 drama Punchline, directed by David Seltzer, where he portrayed a talented young comedian helping a housewife break into stand-up comedy. Salazar also appeared on Last Comic Standing and in several HBO comedy specials.

Reuniting with Pacino and DePalma

In 1997, Salazar reunited with Pacino and DePalma for Carlito’s Way, showcasing his versatility as both a comedian and actor.

Legacy

Salazar’s film credits include Walk Proud, The Wild Life, Sylvester, Hot to Trot, and Maniac Cop 2. His most recent works include The Black Caesar (2022) and The Gilbert Diaries: The Movie (2023).