Angel Salazar, Notable Comedian, Dies at 68

Angel Salazar, a well-loved comedian and actor famous for his role as Chi Chi in the 1983 film “Scarface,” has passed away at the age of 68. He was found unresponsive in a friend’s apartment in Brooklyn, New York, and his representative confirmed he had an enlarged heart.

Born in Cuba on March 2, 1956, Salazar made a daring escape from his home country in the early 1970s. He swam across Guantánamo Bay to reach the U.S. naval base and eventually settled in Miami before moving to New York. This was where he began his comedy career, performing at various clubs.

Despite facing challenges while searching for acting gigs, Salazar quickly made a name for himself in the comedy scene. He became a regular at comedy clubs, notorious for his unique and zany style, which often included props and impersonations of celebrities like Madonna and Bruce Springsteen.

Salazar’s most memorable role was as Chi Chi, a sidekick to drug lord Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, in “Scarface.” Chi Chi helped rescue Tony in an iconic chainsaw scene and ultimately met a tragic end, becoming the last of Tony’s crew to be killed.

Over the years, Salazar appeared in various films such as “Carlito’s Way” and “Punchline” with Tom Hanks. His television credits included shows like “In Living Color” and “Last Comic Standing.” Even recently, he was still performing stand-up, with appearances at venues like the Laugh Factory in Reno, Nevada.

Comedian Jim Norton paid tribute to Salazar, recalling how he would often leave audiences shaken with laughter during auditions. Salazar’s impact on the comedy world will surely be missed.