Actor Angel Salazar, best known for his role as Chi Chi in the hit 1983 film “Scarface,” died at age 68 from acute intoxication from drug use, including cocaine.
A rep for the NY Chief Medical Examiner’s office told TMZ on Thursday that Salazar died from the combined effects of cocaine, cyclobenzaprine — a muscle relaxant — and diphenhydramine, which is a type of antihistamine.
Arteriosclerosis, a type of vascular disease, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease were also listed as contributing factors in Salazar’s death. The M.E. ruled the Hollywood star’s death as accidental.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Paul Martinka
The star died in August, and at the time, his rep, Ann Wingsong, confirmed to TMZ that Salazar “passed away in his sleep” at his friend’s home in Brooklyn.
The friend went to check on the actor and found his body in his bed.
Wingsong also noted that Salazar suffered from several heart issues.
The actor, who was born in 1956, landed the role of Chi Chi — the sidekick to Al Pacino’s iconic Tony Montana — early on in his career.
The ganger thriller also starred Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock, Montana’s mistress who ultimately becomes his wife, and Steven Bauer, who played Montana’s partner-in-crime Manny Ribera.
Salazar also appeared in several other films, including the 1980 movie “Where the Buffalo Roam,” 1982’s “A Stranger is Watching,” and the 1984 flick “The Wild Life.”
The following year, he appeared in “Sylvester” and the 1988 film “Punchline” before securing a role in another hit film, 1993’s “Carlito’s Way,” which also starred Pacino, 84.
Salazar starred in many television shows, too, like “On Our Own,” “The New $treetz Seriez,” “Jersey Mafia Chronicles,” and “In Living Color.”
The actor also boasted a background in stand-up comedy and went on to star in several HBO specials.
He was best known for coining the catchphrase, “Sheck it out” (check it out).
Salazar even landed a returning role on the NBC series “Last Comic Standing.”
His final performance was held in August at Reno’s Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Las Vegas. Salazar performed for four days from August 1 to August 4.
Recording artist Tito Puente paid tribute to his fallen friend after his passing, writing, “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.”
