Ángel Salazar,ScarfaceActor and Comedian, Dies at 68

Mar. 15, 2025

Ángel Salazar in New York City on Nov. 26, 2019.Photo:Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Ángel Salazar, an actor and comedian known for his roles in movies likeScarfaceandCarlito’s Way, has died. He was 68.

A rep for Salazar confirms to PEOPLE that he died on Sunday, Aug. 11. While a cause of death has not been determined, the actor, who had an enlarged heart, had gone to take a shower at a friend’s home in Brooklyn, New York, and was found in the bathroom, per the rep.

Salazar made his big-screen debut with small parts in the 1979 filmsBoulevard NightsandWalk Proud, before starring as Chi-Chi, a henchman ofAl Pacino’s Tony Montana, in 1983’sScarface.

He went on to star oppositeTom HanksinPunchline(1988) and teamed up with Pacino, 84, once again in 1993’sCarlito’s Way,costarringSean PennandPenelope Ann Miller.

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Aside from the aforementioned films and dozens more, Salazar, who was born in Cuba, was also an accomplished comedian.

He appeared in the 2006 documentaryThe Latin Legends of Comedy,as well as onLast Comic Standingand in various other comedy specials and series, includingIn Living ColorandOn Our Own.

Salazar’s final film project was Eric Rivas’The Brooklyn Premiere, in which the actor reunited withScarfacecostar Steven Bauerfor a spoof ontheir famous crime drama.

According to IMDb, Salazar also had more than a dozen projects listed as upcoming.

Tributes to Salazar came pouring in on social media, including from comedian podcast host Kevin Garifo,who wrote on X, “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Angel Salazar.”

“Most know him from Scarface, but he was a tremendous comic who was a very kind dude and a pleasure to work with. Rest easy dude,” Garifo added.

“RIP to my friend Angel Salazar. Worked together a few months ago. Comedy legend,” comedian Adam Hunterposted on the same platform.

Musician Tito Puente, Jr.offered his thoughtsas well, 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 …😔.”

source: people.com