Ray Liotta

2022 - 5 - 26

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Variety"

Remembering Ray Liotta's 10 Best Performances (Variety)

To celebrate the life of Ray Liotta, Variety is ranking his best performances.

Liotta has often played some semblance of a crooked or damaged police officer, but in Joe Carnahan’s thriller about an undercover narcotics officer trying to solve a murder case, he gets to stretch himself as an actor. The sparring that Dern and Liotta exhibit in the courtroom scene is among the film’s most incredible minutes. Liotta’s villainous cop has more depth than appears on the surface. On the surface, Carnahan’s action ensemble film “Smokin’ Aces” may not attract admirers of the acting craft, but with Liotta, it’s never taken much for him to stand out among his colleagues. James Mangold’s noir thriller stands as one of Sylvester Stallone’s most delicate acting turns, but also shows Liotta’s ability to lift any co-star with whom he shares a scene. Liotta was an Emmy winner for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for his role of Charlie Metcalf on the NBC series “ER” in 2005. I can recall catching Liotta’s attempt to take on the larger-than-life Frank Sinatra in the HBO event film. Because of the cultural impact of Scorsese’s gangster pic, Liotta’s legacy will continue to endure. His effortless transition between a good cop and bad cop was among the best and brightest villainous turns of the 1990s. I can recall sitting in the theater and my sister covering my eyes more than a dozen times due to the film’s sexually graphic scenes. My cinematic introduction to the talented Liotta was when I was eight years old. Intense and commanding, but passionate and endearing, Ray Liotta was one of the great character actors for the last four decades.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Petit Petit Gamin"

L'acteur Ray Liotta est décédé à l'âge de 67 ans (Petit Petit Gamin)

Le magazine Deadline rapporte que l'acteur Ray Liotta est décédé à l'âge de 67 ans en République Dominicaine.

— Le Monde (@lemondefr)May 26, 2022 — Rolling Stone (@RollingStone)May 26, 2022 — Catherine Richer (@testacath)May 26, 2022

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Coast Reporter"

'Goodfellas' co-stars, many others pay tribute to Ray Liotta (Coast Reporter)

Reactions to the death of “Goodfellas” star Ray Liotta : “I'm absolutely shocked and devastated by the sudden, unexpected death of Ray Liotta.

— “Many Saints of Newark” director and “Sopranos” creator David Chase, in a statement. Too soon.” — Actor Alessandro Nivola, star of “The Many Saints of Newark,” one of Liotta's final films. I was so glad he worked on ‘The Many Saints of Newark’... Ray was also a very warm and humorous person. “Devastated to hear the news of Ray Liotta’s passing. He absolutely amazed me, and I’ll always be proud of the work we did together on that picture.” —Director Martin Scorsese in a statement. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human. “I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. He was such a lovely, talented and hilarious person. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta." — Lorraine Bracco, who played Liotta's wife in “Goodfellas,” via Twitter. Working with him was one of the great joys of my career and we made some of my favorite scenes I ever got to be in. What a gentle human. “I can’t believe Ray Liotta has passed away.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TMZ"

Ray Liotta Dead at 67, Passed in His Sleep in Dominican Republic (TMZ)

Ray was shooting a movie called "Dangerous Waters" on the island, and a source close to the actor tells TMZ ... he died in his sleep. We're also told there was ...

We're also told there was nothing suspicious about the death, and no foul play is suspected. Ray went on to star in countless other films, including "Cop Land," "Corrina Corrina," "Operation Dumbo Drop," "Unforgettable," "Wild Hogs" and "Blow" ... in which he played Fred Jung, father to Johnny Depp's character, George Jung. Ray lobbied hard for the role, and the film's success opened so many doors for him in Hollywood ... he worked almost nonstop. Ray was shooting a movie called "Dangerous Waters" on the island, and a source close to the actor tells TMZ ... he died in his sleep. Ray Liotta is dead ... the actor passed away while in the Dominican Republic. Ray Liotta Dead at 67, Passed in His Sleep in Dominican Republic

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WDIV ClickOnDetroit"

Report: 'Goodfellas' star Ray Liotta dies at 67 (WDIV ClickOnDetroit)

Actor Ray Liotta, best known for his role as Henry Hill in “Goodfellas,” has died at the age of 67, according to reports.

It was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture. Liotta was also well known for his role as Shoeless Joe Jackson in 1989′s “Field of Dreams.” TMZ reported that no foul play is suspected.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Us Weekly"

Ray Liotta Dead: 'Goodfellas' Actor Dies at Age 67 (Us Weekly)

Ray Liotta earned his breakout role in 'Goodfellas' and recently starred on the series 'Shades of Blue' — read more.

“The films were drying up and these people starting going into [TV]. Karl Malden — an unbelievable actor who was in On the Waterfront — he’s doing Streets of San Francisco, but it was toward the end of his career.” “I’m hungry to do another 13-episode type thing,” he said at the time. Liotta starred as Matt Wozniak, a lieutenant who is the main target in an FBI anti-corruption investigation. If you got two, that’s fantastic,” he told the outlet, joking that his daughter might be the only person who didn’t love his performance. “But I’d love to.” “I thought I’d be in construction,” he confessed.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Deadline"

Ray Liotta Dies: 'Goodfellas' Star & 'Field Of Dreams' Actor Was 67 (Deadline)

A shocker. Ray Liotta, the terrific actor whose career breakout came in the 1990 Martin Scorsese crime classic Goodfellas after co-starring in Field of ...

He had bit parts in telefilms and guested on St. Elsewhere in 1983 before co-starring in Casablanca, a short-lived 1983 NBC prequel series to the classic movie. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and co-starring Jones, Amy Madigan and Burt Lancaster in his final big-screen role, the film earned three Oscar nominations including Best Picture, which was won by Driving Miss Daisy. Born on December 18, 1954, in Newark, NJ, Liotta studied acting at the University of Miami before landing his Another World role. The film, which Nicholas Pileggi adapted with Scorsese from his book, was nominated for six Oscars, with Pesci getting its lone win. Liotta played a ghostly version of Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams, widely considered among Hollywood’s greatest baseball movies. Liotta was on a big resurgence.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "New York Post"

'Goodfellas' actor Ray Liotta dead at 67: reports (New York Post)

Ray Liotta, the actor known for groundbreaking roles in classic movies such as “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams,” has reportedly died in his sleep.

“I’ve never been in a fight. Liotta first made a splash in the Jonathan Demme-directed movie “Something Wild,” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 1987. I avoid it at all costs.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Vanity Fair"

Ray Liotta, Star of Goodfellas, Dead at 67 (Vanity Fair)

The actor reportedly died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he had been shooting the film Dangerous Waters. Liotta's rep Jennifer Craig ...

However, Liotta’s most memorable role will always be that of Henry Hill, the charismatic wiseguy he portrayed in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 mob epic Goodfellas. In the film, based on a true story, Liotta stars as a charismatic Italian-American man rising through the ranks of his local mob, then descending into chaos as the FBI closes in on him. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.” Liotta, a seasoned actor whose career spanned four decades, turned in a number of memorable supporting performances in the last few years alone.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "La Presse"

Décès de l'acteur Ray Liotta (La Presse)

Plusieurs médias, dont le New York Post, TMZ et Deadline, ont rapporté le décès de l'acteur Ray Liotta à l'âge de 67 ans. Publié à 12h33. Partager. ✓ Lien copié. La Presse. Selon les informations obtenues, la vedette de Goodfellas serait décédée dans ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Le Monde"

Ray Liotta, acteur star des « Affranchis », est mort (Le Monde)

Agé de 67 ans, l'acteur américain est mort dans son sommeil alors qu'il se trouvait en République dominicaine pour le tournage de son prochain film, ...

Lorraine Bracco, qui jouait le rôle de Karen Hill dans Les Affranchis, a écrit sur Twitter qu’elle était « totalement bouleversée » par la mort de Ray Liotta : « Je peux être n’importe où dans le monde, les gens viennent me voir et me disent que Les Affranchis est leur film préféré. Ensuite ils me demandent toujours ce que j’ai préféré pendant le tournage de ce film. Ma réponse a toujours été la même… Ray Liotta. » Il s’était d’abord fait connaître à l’écran en 1986, grâce à Dangereuse sous tous rapports, qui lui avait valu une nomination aux Golden Globes comme meilleur second rôle masculin.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Globalnews.ca"

Ray Liotta dead: 'Goodfellas' actor dies at 67 (Globalnews.ca)

Ray Liotta was an actor of both the big and small screens, and had been experiencing a resurgence recently.

A few years later, he would get the memorable role of the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams. Though it moved many to tears, it wasn’t without its critics. The one physical thing he does do, when he goes after the guy who went after Karen — you know, most audiences, they actually like him for that.” “The thing about that movie, you know, Henry Hill isn’t that edgy of a character,” Liotta said in an interview in 2012. It would take a few years for him to land his first big movie role, in Jonathan Demme’s Something Wild as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. He was 30 years old at the time and hadn’t had a steady job in five years. Whether he knew it or not at the time, it planted a seed, though he still assumed he’d end up working construction. The Newark, New Jersey, native was born in 1954 and adopted at age six months out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "La Presse"

L'acteur Ray Liotta meurt à 67 ans (La Presse)

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta, star du film mythique sur la mafia Goodfellas (Les Affranchis), est mort à l'âge de 67 ans, ont annoncé jeudi plusieurs ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NPR"

'Goodfellas' star Ray Liotta dead at 67 (NPR)

According to his publicist, the actor died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting a movie.

You may click on “Your Choices” below to learn about and use cookie management tools to limit use of cookies when you visit NPR’s sites. If you click “Agree and Continue” below, you acknowledge that your cookie choices in those tools will be respected and that you otherwise agree to the use of cookies on NPR’s sites. NPR’s sites use cookies, similar tracking and storage technologies, and information about the device you use to access our sites (together, “cookies”) to enhance your viewing, listening and user experience, personalize content, personalize messages from NPR’s sponsors, provide social media features, and analyze NPR’s traffic.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNBC"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' star and gifted character actor, dies at 67 (CNBC)

He died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was filming a movie called “Dangerous Waters,” according to his publicist.

Liotta held his own against Scorsese regulars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. (Pesci was the only cast member to receive an Academy Award nomination, winning the best supporting actor Oscar in 1991.) But then I realized that what acting is is using your imagination," Liotta told The New York Times for a profile published in 1992. The decades that followed were a mixed bag for Liotta's career. "I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. He made his acting debut in the NBC daytime soap opera "Another World," then struggled to find major Hollywood work. He portrayed Henry Hill, a real-life mob associate who gets swept up in the thrill and glamour of the criminal underworld.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "HollywoodPQ"

L'acteur Ray Liotta est décédé à l'âge de 67 ans | Hollywoodpq.com (HollywoodPQ)

L'acteur a surtout été connu dans les années 1990 pour son rôle dans le film culte de Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas. Il avait également tenu la vedette dans le ...

Notamment dans la série dramatique Shades of Blue. L'acteur a surtout été connu dans les années 1990 pour son rôle dans le film culte de Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas. Il avait également tenu la vedette dans le long métrage Field of Dreams. Le célèbre acteur Ray Liotta est décédé dans son sommeil à l'âge de 67 ans, rapporte Deadline. Liotta séjournait en République dominicaine pour compléter les tournages du long métrage Dangerous Water.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Le Journal de Québec"

Décès de l'acteur Ray Liotta: la vedette du film «Les Affranchis» s ... (Le Journal de Québec)

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta, star du film mythique sur la mafia «Les Affranchis», est mort à l'âge de 67 ans, ont annoncé jeudi plusieurs médias ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The A.V. Club"

R.I.P. Ray Liotta (The A.V. Club)

Actor Ray Liotta, who is probably still best known for playing Henry Hill in Goodfellas—and for decades of roles after it that directly wink at his ...

Deadline says that he “died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic” while working on director John Barr’s upcoming film Dangerous Waters. Deadline also refers to his death as “a shocker,” but it doesn’t look like any other information about his cause of death is currently available. In more recent years, Liotta has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence. Actor Ray Liotta, who is probably still best known for playing Henry Hill in Goodfellas—and for decades of roles after it that directly wink at his Goodfellas character—has died.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TVA Nouvelles"

Décès de l'acteur Ray Liotta à 67 ans (TVA Nouvelles)

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta, l'une des vedettes du film mythique sur la mafia «Les Affranchis» de Martin Scorsese, est mort à l'âge de 67 ans, alors qu'il ...

L'acteur du film -- qui est aussi son narrateur -- crève l'écran aux côtés de Robert De Niro, et de Joe Pesci, dans ce qui est considéré par les cinéphiles comme l'un des plus grands films du genre au 20e siècle, avec la trilogie «The Godfather» («Le Parrain») de Francis Ford Copolla. Ray Liotta s'était fait connaître du public américain en jouant dans le film de baseball «Jusqu'au bout du rêve» («Field of Dreams») en 1989 au côté de Kevin Costner et, en 1986, dans «Dangereuse sous tous rapports» («Something Wild»), qui lui avait valu une nomination aux Golden Globes comme meilleur second rôle masculin. Né le 18 décembre 1954, à Newark, dans le New Jersey, en grande banlieue de New York, Raymond Allen Liotta est devenu une vedette mondiale pour avoir campé à l'écran le vrai gangster mafieux new-yorkais Henry Hill (1943-2012) dans le chef d'oeuvre de Martin Scorsese «Les Affranchis» («Goodfellas») en 1990.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CTV News"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' star, dead at 67 (CTV News)

Ray Liotta, the actor known for his roles in 'Field of Dreams' and the Martin Scorcese mob classic 'Goodfellas,' has died.

Over the past 30 years, the space observatory has helped scientists discover and refine that accelerating rate -- as well as uncover a mysterious wrinkle that only brand-new physics may solve. A minke whale carcass was spotted in the St. Lawrence River about 45 kilometres northeast of Montreal Thursday afternoon. Two deaths and at least four injuries have been linked to such explosions. Within hours of Tuesday's school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, another rash began as internet users spread baseless claims about the man named as the gunman and his possible motives. "For some reason, I've been busier this year than I have in all the years that I've been doing this. Recap CTV News reporters' real-time updates as the debate unfolded. It took more than three centuries, but the last Salem 'witch' who wasn't has been officially pardoned. "Ray was working on a project in the Dominican Republic called 'Dangerous Waters' when he died in his sleep. "It's weird how this business works, because I've definitely had a career that's up and down," he added. My response has always been the same... In the wake of a horrific mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has signalled that the Canadian government will be moving ahead on new gun-control measures 'in the coming weeks.' In previous Parliaments, the Liberals have made changes to Canada's gun laws, but in the 2021 federal election, Trudeau promised to go further. But I'd love to."

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBC.ca"

Ray Liotta, Goodfellas and Field of Dreams star, dead at 67 | CBC ... (CBC.ca)

Ray Liotta, the actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in Goodfellas and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams, has died.

But he'd still end up playing a mob type with James Gandolfini in Andrew Dominik's Killing Them Softly. And later, he would pay his own ticket to audition for The Many Saints of Newark. "The business is rough, no matter where you're at in your career," Liotta said in 2012. For gamers, he's immortalized as the voice of Tommy Vercetti in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. He also starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in the series Shades of Blue. And it stuck: He'd go on to study acting at the University of Miami. After graduation, he got his first big break on the soap opera Another World. The Newark, N.J., native was born in 1954 and adopted at six months of age out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner. "I'm really not sure what made me so determined," he told The Guardian last year. Liotta's publicist, Jen Allen, said he was in the Dominican Republic shooting a new movie and didn't wake up Thursday morning. Liotta's first big film role was in Jonathan Demme's Something Wild as Melanie Griffith's character's hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. The turn earned him a Golden Globe nomination. A true legend of immense skill and grace." In an emailed statement, Liotta's Goodfellas co-star Robert De Niro said, "I was very saddened to learn of Ray's passing. The scenes we did together were among the all time highlights of my acting career. My response has always been the same ... Ray Liotta."

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CKPGToday.ca"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams' star, dies (CKPGToday.ca)

Ray Liotta, the blue-eyed actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in "Goodfellas" and baseball player ...

My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.” Robert De Niro, who co-starred with Liotta in “Goodfellas,” said in an emailed statement: “I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. Liotta’s publicist, Jen Allen, said he was in the Dominican Republic shooting a new movie and didn’t wake up Thursday morning.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Toronto Star"

'Goodfellas' actor Ray Liotta dead at 67 (Toronto Star)

Liotta was best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.” A source at the Dominican ...

Liotta’s first big film role was in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. The turn earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He was in the Dominican Republic to film a new movie. The Hollywood Reporter and NBC News cited representatives for Liotta who said he died in his sleep Wednesday night.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Le Journal de Montréal"

Décès de l'acteur Ray Liotta: la vedette du film «Les Affranchis» s ... (Le Journal de Montréal)

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta, star du film mythique sur la mafia «Les Affranchis», est mort à l'âge de 67 ans, ont annoncé jeudi plusieurs médias ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Le Devoir"

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta, vedette du mythique «Les Affranchis ... (Le Devoir)

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta, l'une des vedettes du film mythique sur la mafia Les Affranchis, de Martin Scorsese, est mort à l'âge de 67 ans, ...

Ray Liotta est mort dans son sommeil, a précisé le site TMZ, citant une source proche de lui. Ray Liotta s’était fait connaître du public américain en jouant dans le film de baseball Le champ des rêves (Field of Dreams) en 1989 aux côtés de Kevin Costner et, en 1986, dans Sauvage et dangereuse (Something Wild), qui lui avait valu une nomination aux Golden Globes comme meilleur second rôle masculin. L’acteur du film — qui est aussi son narrateur — crève l’écran aux côtés de Robert De Niro, et de Joe Pesci, dans ce qui est considéré par les cinéphiles comme l’un des plus grands films du genre au 20e siècle, avec la trilogie The Godfather (Le Parrain), de Francis Ford Copolla.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Noovo Moi"

Ray Liotta, vedette du film Goodfellas, est décédé (Noovo Moi)

Le célèbre acteur, que l'on a découvert dans Les Affranchis en 1990, est mort à 67 ans.

Ray Liotta est devenu une superstar du cinéma en 1990 grâce au film de Martin Scorsese Les Affranchis. Il y tenait l'un des rôles principaux aux côtés de Robert De Niro et Joe Pesci. La fiancée de Ray Liotta, Jacy Nittolo, était avec lui en République dominicaine. Celui qui a été révélé au public en 1990 dans le film Goodfellas (Les Affranchis) est mort dans son sommeil la nuit dernière. Il avait 67 ans.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Pique Newsmagazine"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams' star, dies (Pique Newsmagazine)

Ray Liotta, the blue-eyed actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams,” has ...

For gamers, he's immortalized as the voice of Tommy Vercetti in the video game “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” He also starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in the series “Shades of Blue.” “The business is rough, no matter where you’re at in your career,” Liotta said in 2012. But he'd still end up playing a mob type with James Gandolfini in Andrew Dominik's “Killing Them Softly.” And later, he would pay his own ticket to audition for “The Many Saints of Newark.” A few years later, he would get the memorable role of the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.” Though it moved many to tears, it wasn’t without its critics. It would take a few years for him to land his first big movie role, in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. He was 30 years old at the time and hadn’t had a steady job in five years. "He absolutely amazed me, and I’ll always be proud of the work we did together on that picture.” The one physical thing he does do, when he goes after the guy who went after Karen — you know, most audiences, they actually like him for that.” And later, at the University of Miami he picked drama and acting because they had no math requirement attached. Robert De Niro, who co-starred with Liotta in “Goodfellas,” said in an emailed statement that he was saddened by Liotta's passing. The Newark, New Jersey, native was born in 1954 and adopted at age six months out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner. Liotta's publicist, Jen Allen, said he was in the Dominican Republic shooting a new movie and didn't wake up Thursday morning. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Southside Showdown"

Ray Liotta was legendary in his portrayal of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Southside Showdown)

Chicago White Sox legend Shoeless Joe Jackson was portrayed by Ray Liotta in the amazing movie, Field of Dreams. It was an amazing performance.

There are families across the United States of America that hold Field of Dreams in their hearts forever. In addition to Field of Dreams, Liotta had an incredible 35-year acting career that included some other legendary movies including Goodfellas which is known as one of the greatest movies of all time. In the movie, the character of Shoeless Joe Jackson was incredibly important.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Ray Liotta, star of Goodfellas and Field of Dreams, dies aged 67 (The Guardian)

The actor, whose films also include Something Wild and Hannibal, died in his sleep while shooting his latest project in the Dominican Republic.

He was an friend back in the day and it’s very sad. James Mangold, who directed Liotta in the 2003 thriller Identity, also tweeted: “Shocked and saddened to hear of Ray Liotta’s passing. “Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. Liotta was born in New Jersey and abandoned at an orphanage before being adopted at six months. Liotta was offered a role on The Sopranos but turned it down. Despite being known for his tough guy roles, Liotta has admitted that he is far from what people see him as.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Delta-Optimist"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams' star, dies (Delta-Optimist)

Ray Liotta, the blue-eyed actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams,” has ...

For gamers, he's immortalized as the voice of Tommy Vercetti in the video game “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” He also starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in the series “Shades of Blue.” “The business is rough, no matter where you’re at in your career,” Liotta said in 2012. But he'd still end up playing a mob type with James Gandolfini in Andrew Dominik's “Killing Them Softly.” And later, he would pay his own ticket to audition for “The Many Saints of Newark.” A few years later, he would get the memorable role of the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.” Though it moved many to tears, it wasn’t without its critics. It would take a few years for him to land his first big movie role, in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. He was 30 years old at the time and hadn’t had a steady job in five years. "He absolutely amazed me, and I’ll always be proud of the work we did together on that picture.” The one physical thing he does do, when he goes after the guy who went after Karen — you know, most audiences, they actually like him for that.” And later, at the University of Miami he picked drama and acting because they had no math requirement attached. Robert De Niro, who co-starred with Liotta in “Goodfellas,” said in an emailed statement that he was saddened by Liotta's passing. The Newark, New Jersey, native was born in 1954 and adopted at age six months out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner. Liotta's publicist, Jen Allen, said he was in the Dominican Republic shooting a new movie and didn't wake up Thursday morning. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Ray Liotta, star of 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams,' dies at 67 (The Washington Post)

Known for his tough-guy roles, he also starred in the baseball classic "Field of Dreams" as Shoeless Joe Jackson.

I’d wake up at night with the smell of the ballpark in my nose, the cool of the grass on my feet … the thrill of the grass.” After “Goodfellas,” Mr. Liotta played a doctor in the poorly received “Article 99″ (1992) and seldom had top billing in his later films. At the time of his death, he was engaged to be married to Jacy Nittolo. He landed his role in “Something Wild” by calling its star, Melanie Griffith, whose former boyfriend, Steven Bauer, had gone to college with Mr. Liotta. He also learned, to his surprise, that his ancestry was primarily Scottish, not Italian. His marriage to actress Michelle Grace ended in divorce. The real Jackson Joe batted left-handed and threw righty.) “Of all the scary legends I’ve worked with, De Niro, Christopher Walken, Joaquin Phoenix, Shirley MacLaine,” Nivola added, “Ray is the one I was most intimidated by. Handsome in a rugged way, with a square jaw and steely blue eyes, Mr. Liotta could explode in cackling laughter or maintain a glaring, stony silence, never far away from a sudden outburst of violence. To me, being a gangster was better than being president of the United States.” I just want to say hi to Marty. I just want to say hi.’ Marty said that’s when he realized he was going to cast me.” The film, which also starred Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, relied on Mr. Liotta’s narration to portray Hill’s childhood fascination with the criminal underworld and how he entered that life. “And the bodyguard threw me off.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "91.9 The Bend"

Ray Liotta Passes Away At 67 (91.9 The Bend)

Actor Ray Liotta has died. Liotta starred in close to 70 movies over the course of his career with his breakout role on the silver screen as Henry Hil...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Boise State Public Radio"

'Goodfellas' star Ray Liotta dead at 67 (Boise State Public Radio)

According to his publicist, the actor died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting a movie.

The actor is perhaps best known for his role as Henry Hill in the 1990 Martin Scorsese movie Goodfellas, where he helped shape the idea of a gangster movie for years to come. In 2002, he starred in the hit video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, as Tommy Vercetti, a mobster who rises up the ranks of the game's criminal empire. After graduation, he worked small roles in various commercials and TV shows, but his breakout turn was in 1986's Something Wild, directed by Jonathan Demme. He started acting at the University of Miami, where he majored in drama. He was 67 years old. The actor Ray Liotta has died.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WGLT News"

'Goodfellas' star Ray Liotta dead at 67 (WGLT News)

According to his publicist, the actor died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting a movie.

The actor is perhaps best known for his role as Henry Hill in the 1990 Martin Scorsese movie Goodfellas, where he helped shape the idea of a gangster movie for years to come. In 2002, he starred in the hit video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, as Tommy Vercetti, a mobster who rises up the ranks of the game's criminal empire. After graduation, he worked small roles in various commercials and TV shows, but his breakout turn was in 1986's Something Wild, directed by Jonathan Demme. He started acting at the University of Miami, where he majored in drama. He was 67 years old. The actor Ray Liotta has died.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Paris Match"

Mort de Ray Liotta, les célébrités lui rendent hommage (Paris Match)

L'acteur américain Ray Liotta est décédé jeudi 26 mai à l'âge de 67 ans. De nombreuses personnalités lui ont rendu hommage.

La comédienne Rosanna Arquette a eu quelques mots pour son «ami». «Je suis vraiment triste d’apprendre que Ray Liotta est décédé. C’était un ami à l’époque et c’est très triste. Ray était la quintessence d’un dur à cuire qui était si tendre à l’intérieur… Je suppose que c’est ce qui a fait de lui un acteur si convaincant à regarder (…) Je ne t’oublierai jamais. Jeffrey Wright a souligné le talent de Ray Liotta. «Je l’ai rencontré pour la première fois l’année dernière. TRÈS BON acteur. La star est morte dans son sommeil, a précisé le site «TMZ», citant une source proche du comédien. «Deadline» a également rapporté le décès de Ray Liotta survenu alors qu’il était en tournage en République dominicaine. Le réalisateur Edgar Wright a rappelé les fabuleuses prestations de Ray Liotta. «S’il n’avait que "Les Affranchis", ce serait un crédit pour prendre sa retraite. «Je n’arrive pas à croire que Ray Liotta soit décédé (…) Travailler avec lui a été l’une des plus grandes joies de ma carrière et nous avons réalisé certaines de mes scènes préférées. Une véritable légende dotée d’un immense talent.» Content d’avoir eu la chance de le lui dire. Too sad to conceive that Ray Liotta has passed. Ray Liotta est décédé le 26 mai, à l’âge de 67 ans. Inspirée d’une histoire vraie, « Les Affranchis », de Martin Sorcesse sorti en 1990, propulse l’acteur sur le devant de la scène. Il entre alors de plain-pied dans la légende du cinéma hollywoodien. Ray Liotta travaillait sur un le film «Dangerous Waters» au moment de son décès soudain. «Il était en compagnie de sa femme qui vous demande de respecter sa douleur», a confirmé à l’AFP un porte-parole de la direction générale du cinéma de la République dominicaine.

'Goodfellas' actor Ray Liotta has died at age 67 (WYPR)

Actor Ray Liotta, who rocketed to film stardom in Goodfellas, has died in his sleep at a hotel in the Dominican Republic where he was filming a movie.

LIOTTA: (As Henry Hill) Even before I first wandered into the cabstand for an after-school job, I knew I wanted to be a part of them. And with more than 100 roles to his credit, it would be hard to say he was ever in a career slump. (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "GOODFELLAS") (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "GOODFELLAS") (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "GOODFELLAS") Actor Ray Liotta, who rocketed to film stardom in "Goodfellas," has died in his sleep at a hotel in the Dominican Republic, where he was filming a movie.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' star, dead at 67 | CNN (CNN)

Ray Liotta, the actor known for his roles in "Field of Dreams" and the Martin Scorsese mob classic "Goodfellas," has died.

"For some reason, I've been busier this year than I have in all the years that I've been doing this. "It's weird how this business works, because I've definitely had a career that's up and down," he added. "Ray was working on a project in the Dominican Republic called 'Dangerous Waters' when he passed. My response has always been the same...Ray Liotta." But I'd love to." He is survived by his daughter, Karsen and his fiancée, Jacy Nittolo," his publicist Jennifer Allen told CNN.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Coast Reporter"

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams' star, dies (Coast Reporter)

Ray Liotta, the blue-eyed actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams,” has ...

For gamers, he's immortalized as the voice of Tommy Vercetti in the video game “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” He also starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in the series “Shades of Blue.” “The business is rough, no matter where you’re at in your career,” Liotta said in 2012. But he'd still end up playing a mob type with James Gandolfini in Andrew Dominik's “Killing Them Softly.” And later, he would pay his own ticket to audition for “The Many Saints of Newark.” A few years later, he would get the memorable role of the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.” Though it moved many to tears, it wasn’t without its critics. It would take a few years for him to land his first big movie role, in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. He was 30 years old at the time and hadn’t had a steady job in five years. "He absolutely amazed me, and I’ll always be proud of the work we did together on that picture.” The one physical thing he does do, when he goes after the guy who went after Karen — you know, most audiences, they actually like him for that.” And later, at the University of Miami he picked drama and acting because they had no math requirement attached. Robert De Niro, who co-starred with Liotta in “Goodfellas,” said in an emailed statement that he was saddened by Liotta's passing. The Newark, New Jersey, native was born in 1954 and adopted at age six months out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner. Liotta's publicist, Jen Allen, said he was in the Dominican Republic shooting a new movie and didn't wake up Thursday morning. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Interviewing Ray Liotta was a unique experience - he was an actor ... (The Guardian)

The Many Saints star was impervious to my attempts to butter him up – maybe his lack of air-kissing pretension is what stopped him becoming a leading man ...

And maybe it was his lack of pretension that allowed him to be such a gifted actor, one I thrilled to see every time he was on screen. “Nah, not really.” He was adopted but found his birth mother as an adult – did that change his sense of self? His baffling career (why HADN’T he become a leading man after Goodfellas?) only added to the mystery. He was ominously convincing playing psychopaths in movies such as Something Wild, Goodfellas and The Many Saints. But he was just as convincing as Gary Figgis in Cop Land and the mysterious ghost of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in The Field of Dreams. With some movie stars – Tom Hanks, say, or Meryl Streep – we may not know what they’re REALLY like, but you’re pretty safe assuming that they’re going to give you a good interview. Phone interviews are pretty thankless at the best of times, as it’s impossible to get a sense of a person down the phone line, and Liotta was rumoured to be difficult, truculent, rude. When I phoned Ray Liotta last September, to interview him about his genuinely astonishing performance in the (underrated!) Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, I was braced for the worst.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Vanity Fair"

Hollywood Pays Tribute to Ray Liotta, “A True Legend” (Vanity Fair)

Martin Scorsese, Lorraine Bracco, Kevin Costner, and Jennifer Lopez are among those reflecting on the actor's life and career.

He is way too young to have left us. Playing Henry Hill in Good Fellas was a tall order, because the character had so many different facets, so many complicated layers, and Ray was in almost every scene of a long, tough shoot. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

'Goodfellas' co-stars and others pay tribute to Ray Liotta | CNN (CNN)

The shocking death of Ray Liotta caused an outpouring of grief in Hollywood. Robert De Niro, Lorraine Braco and Kevin Costner are among the stars ...

"When I first heard he took the job on Shades of Blue I was thrilled, and the first time we walked on set to do our first scene together there was an electric spark and a mutual respect and we both knew this was going to be good. While he leaves an incredible legacy, he'll always be 'Shoeless Joe Jackson' in my heart," Costner wrote along with a clip of a the two of them in the film. "Devastated to hear the news of Ray Liotta's passing. "Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. Playing Henry Hill in 'Goodfellas' was a tall order, because the character had so many different facets, so many complicated layers, and Ray was in almost every scene of a long, tough shoot," the statement read. "He was so uniquely gifted, so adventurous, so courageous as an actor.

Explore the last week