Ángel Salazar, notable for portraying Al Pacino‘s accomplice Chi Chi in “Scarface,” has passed away due to acute intoxication from multiple substances, including cocaine, as reported by TMZ.
A spokesperson for the New York Chief Medical Examiner’s office informed TMZ that Salazar succumbed to the combined effects of cocaine, cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant), and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). Additionally, arteriosclerosis and hypertensive cardiovascular disease were cited as contributing elements leading to the actor’s demise.
In light of these findings, the Medical Examiner has determined that Salazar’s death was accidental.
This news comes over two months after the “Scarface” star was discovered dead at a friend’s residence in Brooklyn … he had apparently passed away while sleeping.
Initially, there were no known causes of death … however, his representative later informed TMZ that the actor had a history of heart complications.
Salazar achieved his memorable “Scarface” role early in his career … making a mark notably in a scene where his character faced a gruesome fate before Pacino’s Tony Montana.
After his standout performance in “Scarface,” Salazar went on to act alongside Tom Hanks in the 1988 dramedy titled “Punchline.” He also had the opportunity to collaborate with Pacino once more in Brian De Palma‘s 1993 thriller “Carlito’s Way.”
While his career included a plethora of dramatic roles, Salazar also gained acclaim as a beloved stand-up comic, having taped numerous comedy specials for HBO.
Indeed, Salazar was engaged in shooting an independent spin-off of “Scarface” prior to his passing, as revealed by director Eric Spade Rivas to TMZ in August.
The upcoming film, titled “The Brooklyn Premiere,” was intended to showcase a filmmaker navigating the challenges of creating a comedic parody of “Scarface” while experiencing a midlife crisis. Notably, fellow ‘Scarface’ star Steven Bauer was also expected to join the cast.
At the time of his demise, Salazar was 69 years old.
Rest in Peace