ngelSalazar, Scarface Actor, Dies at 68

Ángel Salazar, who played Chi Chi in “Scarface,” died Aug. 11, his representative Roger Paul confirmed to Variety. He was 68.

Salazar played Tony Montana’s (Al Pacino) henchman in the 1983 cult classic, where he joins the drug lord in trying to reach the pinnacle of Miami’s cocaine scene. Chi Chi saves Tony in the famous chainsaw scene, where he’s almost killed by rival gang leader Hector (Al Israel).

Toward the end of the film, Chi Chi tries to fend off foe Alejandro Sosa’s (Paul Shenar) hit men to protect Tony, using a submachine gun to hold them back. Once he runs out of ammo, he bangs on Tony’s office door, begging to be let in before he’s killed by the attackers. He’s the last of Tony’s crew to be killed, leaving the kingpin all alone.

Salazar started his career in New York City, where he worked in comedy clubs after he fled Cuba at a young age. He acted in films like 1988’s “Punchline” alongside Tom Hanks, “Carlito’s Way” with Pacino once again, 1979’s “Boulevard Nights,” 1985’s “Sylvester” and more.

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His television credits include “In Living Color,” “On Our Own” and “Jersey Mafia Chronicles” among others. Salazar also remained true to his comedy roots, continuing to do stand-up performances up until July 2024.

He previously appeared in “The Latin Legends of Comedy,” a 2006 documentary centered on Salazar and fellow comedians J.J. Ramirez and Joe Vega. He also was featured on reality competition show “Last Comic Standing.”

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Aldo Pusey

Update: 2024-09-13

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