‘Scarface’ Star’s Cause of Death Revealed as Cocaine & Heart Disease

Ángel Salazar, widely recognized for his role as Chi Chi in the 1983 classic Scarface, has passed away at the age of 69 due to a drug overdose.

The New York Chief Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the cause of death as acute intoxication from a combination of substances, including cocaine, cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant), and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). The office also reported that arteriosclerosis and hypertensive cardiovascular disease were contributing factors.

The Scarface actor was found dead in his friend’s Brooklyn home over two months ago, reportedly passing away in his sleep.

While initial reports did not provide a cause of death, his representative shared that Salazar had been dealing with heart-related health issues in recent years. The medical examiner ultimately ruled the death as accidental.

Salazar’s role in Scarface remains one of his most memorable performances. His character, Chi Chi, met a violent end in front of Al Pacino’s Tony Montana, marking a pivotal moment in the film. Reflecting on his breakthrough role, Salazar once said in a 2015 interview, “Chi Chi was my ticket to Hollywood. That scene with Pacino changed everything.”

After Scarface, Salazar worked alongside Tom Hanks in the 1988 film Punchline and reunited with Pacino in Brian De Palma’s Carlito’s Way in 1993. Despite his roles in dramatic films, Salazar was also known for his stand-up comedy, having starred in several HBO comedy specials. His unique blend of humor and acting made him a beloved figure in both Hollywood and comedy circles.

At the time of his passing, Salazar was involved in the production of The Brooklyn Premiere, an indie film parody of Scarface.

The film’s director, Eric Spade Rivas, shared that the project was a comedy about a filmmaker experiencing a midlife crisis while creating a Scarface spoof. Fellow Scarface alum, Steven Bauer, was also slated to appear in the film.

Salazar’s sudden passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a versatile actor and comedian who left a lasting mark on both the film industry and the comedy scene.