Martin Scorsese, Jennifer Lopez, and more pay tribute to Ray Liotta: 'So adventurous, so courageous'
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Ray Liotta had a multi-decade career on screen, appearing in several film and TV projects that continue to endure in the popular and critical imagination. In the wake of his sudden death at 67, many of the actor's costars, collaborators, friends, and fans are paying their respects.
"God is a Goodfella, and so is Ray," Joe Pesci said Thursday in a statement to EW. Pesci won an Oscar for starring in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas alongside Liotta, who played the lead role of real-life gangster Harry Hill.
Lorraine Bracco, who also starred in Goodfellas as Henry's long-suffering wife, Karen, posted a heartfelt tribute on Twitter saying she was "utterly shattered" by Liotta's death. She added that every time she's asked about the Scorsese classic, she says her favorite part was working with Liotta.
Steve Granitz/WireImage; John Lamparski/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images Martin Scorsese; Ray Liotta; Jennifer Lopez
"I'm absolutely shocked and devastated by the sudden, unexpected death of Ray Liotta. He was so uniquely gifted, so adventurous, so courageous as an actor," Goodfellas director Martin Scorsese told PEOPLE in a statement. "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. He absolutely amazed me, and I'll always be proud of the work we did together on that picture. My heart goes out to his loved ones, and it aches for his loss, way too early."
The juxtaposition between Liotta's tough-guy characters and real-life sweetness has been frequently noted in these tributes. Jennifer Lopez, who starred alongside Liotta for three seasons of the NBC cop drama Shades of Blue, wrote on Instagram that "the first thing that comes to mind is he was so kind to my children."
Lopez continued, "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."
Read more tributes below.
I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray.
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. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta. pic.twitter.com/3gNjJFTAne— Lorraine Bracco (@Lorraine_Bracco) May 26, 2022
I can’t believe Ray Liotta has passed away. He was such a lovely, talented and hilarious person. 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. A true legend of immense skill and grace.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) May 26, 2022
Shocked and saddened to hear of Ray Liotta’s passing. Beyond the tough guy exterior and the tightly wound emotions of his signature characters, he was a sweet, playful and passionate collaborator and brilliant actor. RIP. pic.twitter.com/O5tueLlBMP
— Mangold (@mang0ld) May 26, 2022
RIP Ray Liotta. I feel so lucky to have squared off against this legend in one of his final roles. The scenes we did together were among the all time highlights of my acting career. He was dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors.Too soon pic.twitter.com/FvsV2NNHkw
— Alessandro Nivola (@SandroNivola) May 26, 2022
Devastated to hear the news of Ray Liotta’s passing. While he leaves an incredible legacy, he’ll always be “Shoeless Joe Jackson” in my heart. What happened that moment in the film was real. God gave us that stunt. Now God has Ray. pic.twitter.com/JQmk1PsuSK
— Kevin Costner & MW (@modernwest) May 26, 2022
We will never forget the great times we had working with our friend Ray Liotta on Muppets From Space and Muppets Most Wanted. A tough guy on screen, Ray was one of the sweetest, funniest souls we’ve ever known. Rest in Peace, Ray.
— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) May 26, 2022
R.I.P my condolences to Ray Liotta’s close friends and family. pic.twitter.com/SRrlJMpRpw
— 50cent (@50cent) May 26, 2022
Although its been years since we worked together, each time we crossed each other’s paths, you were always sincere, kind, gracious, and a loving gentleman. You will be sorely missed, Ray Liotta. Fly with the Angels you insanely talented human being. You touched my life. pic.twitter.com/0tACq6gVdi
— Giancarlo Esposito (@quiethandfilms) May 26, 2022
Getting to play Dean Martin alongside Don Cheadle as Sammy Davis and Ray Liotta as Sinatra was one of the greatest joys of my career.
R. I. P. dear Ray. #RayLiotta pic.twitter.com/WGbWzS1W8J— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) May 26, 2022
Ray Liotta could play in Good Fellas as a vicious gangster and could play as a lovable character in the Muppets. He was amazing actor, man, and great friend. pic.twitter.com/2hzErLHKO3
— Danny Trejo (@officialDannyT) May 26, 2022
.@TheSimpsons in memory of Ray Liotta truly a good fella… pic.twitter.com/bEEzyHMq01
— Al Jean (@AlJean) May 26, 2022
Rest In Peace Ray Liotta, legendary actor and the iconic voice of Tommy Vercetti. pic.twitter.com/d2VPVjRNGX
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) May 26, 2022
We are so saddened by the passing of our friend Ray Liotta. He was a huge supporter of ACC and spent hours at the shelter playing with the dogs and meeting staff. Here he is filming a PSA promoting pet adoption. Forever in our hearts. #RayLiotta pic.twitter.com/5SInbEO5hV
— Animal Care Centers 🐶🐱🐰 (@NYCACC) May 27, 2022
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