Ray Liotta remembered by his ‘Goodfellas’ co-stars and Hollywood peers: ‘God is a Goodfella’

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Tributes are pouring in for the beloved Ray Liotta, who was widely known for his role as Henry Hill in the legendary Martin Scorsese crime film, "Goodfellas. Liotta died at age 67, Daily Post Digital can confirm.

Some of his co-stars in the 1990 crime-drama, as well as other peers in Hollywood, are honoring the late actor.

Actor Joe Pesci, who played Tommy DeVito, shared with Daily Post Digital, "God is a Goodfella and so is Ray." 

Ray Liotta, widely known for his role in the legendary Martin Scorsese crime film "Goodfellas," has died. He was 67.


Ray Liotta, widely known for his role in the legendary Martin Scorsese crime film "Goodfellas," has died. He was 67.
(Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

His co-star, Robert De Niro shared, "I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing.  He is way too way young to have left us. May he Rest in Peace."

‘GOODFELLAS' STAR RAY LIOTTA DEAD AT 67

Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred alongside Liotta in "Dominick & Eugene" took to Instagram on Thursday and wrote, "Ray Liotta has died. What a gentle human. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human. A beautiful artist. We made the lovely film, Dominic and Eugene in 1986. Sad news."

Lorraine Bracco, who starred as Karen Hill in "Goodfellas" shared an image with Liotta on Instagram and wrote, "I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray."

Robert De Niro shared his condolences for his co-star Ray Liotta to Daily Post Digital following the news of his passing. 


Robert De Niro shared his condolences for his co-star Ray Liotta to Daily Post Digital following the news of his passing. 
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

She continued: "I can be just about anywhere in the world and people will come up and tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. And then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. And my response has always been the same…Ray Liotta."

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Jennifer Lopez also honored the star on Instagram. Her caption reads, "Ray was my partner in crime on Shades of Blue … the first thing that comes to mind is he was so kind to my children.

"Ray was the epitome of a tough guy who was all mushy on the inside … I guess that’s what made him such a compelling actor to watch. The original Goodfella."

Lopez and Liotta starred in the three-season show "Shades of Blue" together and Lopez recalls being "thrilled" when she learned they would be working together.

Jennifer Lopez starred alongside Ray Liotta in the series "Shades of Blue."


Jennifer Lopez starred alongside Ray Liotta in the series "Shades of Blue."
(Peter Kramer/NBCU via Getty Images)

"We enjoyed doing our scenes together and I felt lucky to have him there to work with and learn from. Like all artists he was complicated, sincere, honest and so very emotional. Like a raw nerve, he was so accessible and so in touch in his acting and I will always remember our time together fondly," she wrote.

Lopez concluded with, "We lost a great today … RIP RAY … it’s so sad to lose you what seems way too soon … I will remember you always. Sending so much love and strength to your daughter Karsen, your family and all your loved ones."

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David Chase, the creator of "The Sopranos," shared with Daily Post Digital that Liotta's passing is "a massive, unexpected shock."

"This is a massive, unexpected shock," Chase began. "I have been an admirer of Ray’s work since I saw him in ‘Something Wild,’ a movie he wrenched by the tail. I was so glad he worked on ‘The Many Saints of Newark.’ I believed strongly in my heart that he could play that double role. He created two distinctly separate characters and each performance was phenomenal. Ray was also a very warm and humorous person. A really superior actor. We all felt we lucked out having him on that movie."

Robert De Niro, Lorraine Bracco and Ray Liotta all starred in the 1990 crime dram "Goodfellas." Bracco took to social media on Thursday to honor the late actor.


Robert De Niro, Lorraine Bracco and Ray Liotta all starred in the 1990 crime dram "Goodfellas." Bracco took to social media on Thursday to honor the late actor.
(Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic)

The actor died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was filming the movie, "Dangerous Waters."

According to TMZ, foul play is not suspected.

Recognized for his captivating presence, Liotta sharpened his acting skill as a drama major at the University of Miami – where he landed his first role in "Cabaret" as a dancing waiter who was loose on his feet. 

After completing the four years in college, Liotta moved to New York City and bounced around various office jobs while carrying on regular soap opera roles before he was eventually cast in "Something Wild."

Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Paul Sorvino, and Joe Pesci publicity portrait for the film 'Goodfellas', 1990. Pesci shared with Daily Post Digital that "God is a Goodfella and so is Ray."


Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Paul Sorvino, and Joe Pesci publicity portrait for the film 'Goodfellas', 1990. Pesci shared with Daily Post Digital that "God is a Goodfella and so is Ray."
(Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)

It was then that Liotta came into his own as a performer – perfecting his gaze which often spoke volumes louder than the lines he effortlessly delivered.

Liotta had recently gotten back into mainstream acting with "The Many Saints of Newark" and was also a staple alongside Taron Egerton in the Apple TV+ series "Black Bird."

Other notable films of Liotta's include "Field of Dreams," "Cop Land" and "Blow."

The actor was engaged to be married to Jacy Nittolo. He is survived by Nittolo and his daughter, Karsen.

Daily Post' Julius Young and Larry Fink contributed to this report.

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