Medical examiners have determined a cause of death for actor Ángel Salazar, who played Al Pacino’s soldier Chi Chi in the 1983 film Scarface, following his death at 68 two months ago.
Salazar’s death was the result of a drug overdose involving cocaine, a New York Chief Medical Examiner’s official told TMZ on Thursday.
Officials said Salazar’s death was due to acute intoxication from a combination of cocaine; the muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine; and the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
The Cuban-American actor’s death was ruled accidental, according to the medical examiner.
Medical officials told the outlet the actor also battled hypertensive cardiovascular disease and arteriosclerosis.
Medical examiners have determined a cause of death for actor Ángel Salazar following his death at 68 two months back. Pictured in New Jersey in April
Salazar played the soldier Chi Chi in the 1983 film Scarface from director Brian De Palma
The actor’s rep and confidante Ann Wingsong told TMZ on August 11 that Salazar, who had dealt heart problems, died while he was sleeping at the Brooklyn, New York home of a friend.
Wingsong told the outlet that a friend checked on Salazar and found him lifeless in the bed.
Salazar played a criminal associate of Pacino’s drug kingpin Tony Montana in the motion picture, which also starred Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and F. Murray Abraham, as well as late actors Paul Shenar and Robert Loggia.
Salazar had appeared in movies such as 1982’s A Stranger Is Watching, 1980’s Where the Buffalo Roam, 1979’s Walk Proud and 1979’s Boulevard Nights prior to his career-defining role in the Brian De Palma motion picture.
In the storyline of the movie, Chi Chi came to Montana’s aid after he was attacked with a chainsaw amid a drug deal gone sour.
Chi Chi was also seated next to Montana during a scene in which the crime boss was caught laundering money.
The Chi Chi character dies during the movie’s famous final showdown, as he was shot in the back amid an attack from a group of attackers from Scarface rival Alejandro Sosa.
Other prominent films Salazar was featured in included 1985’s Sylvester; 1990’s Maniac Cop 2; and 1988’s Punchline with Tom Hanks; 1988’s Hot to Trot; and the 1993 movie Carlito’s Way, a reunion with both De Palma and Pacino.
Salazar’s death was the result of a drug overdose, a New York Chief Medical Examiner’s official said. Pictured last year in New Jersey
Salazar’s character Chi Chi was pictured next to Pacino’s Tony Montana in the 1983 crime film during a scene in which the crime boss was caught laundering money
The actor-comedian was pictured in NYC in March of 2012
He also made a number of appearances on TV shows such as On Our Own, The New $treetz Seriez, Jersey Mafia Chronicles and In Living Color.
Salazar also had a background in standup comedy, as he starred in multiple specials for HBO and appeared on the series Last Comic Standing.
According to iMDb, Salazar had 17 varied projects at various stages of production at the time of his passing.
Salazar was warmly remembered by his friends and colleagues upon news of his passing – as many took to X/Twitter to pay memorial to the late entertainer.
Tito Puente, a recording artist and bandleader, said, ‘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.’
Actress Kadrolsha Ona Carole said, ‘Got home from filming to find out my dear close friend Angel Salazar passed away. Angel and I worked together for years.
‘I will miss his silly antics and cheerful laughter. Super sad. Love you my friend. May you rest in peace.’
Salazar also had a background in standup comedy, as he starred in multiple specials for HBO and appeared on the series Last Comic Standing
Salazar was warmly remembered by his friends and colleagues upon news of his passing in August, as many took to X/Twitter to pay memorial to the late entertainer
Comedian Auggie Smith wrote, ‘R.I.P. Angel Salazar. I watched him absolutely murder one night at The Icehouse.
‘He crushed for 90 straight minutes right after I had ate it. I would’ve loved to blame my set on the crowd but Angel made that impossible.’
Comedian Adam Hunter said, ‘RIP to my friend Angel Salazar. Worked together a few months ago. Comedy legend.’
