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| Ray Liotta in Goodfellas |
He was much admired for his work in films like Goodfellas, Field Of Dreams, Marriage Story and The Place Beyond The Pines, and he particularly excelled in crime stories, on both sides of the law., Today Ray Liotta's publicist broke the news that the charismatic star had passed away in his sleep while staying in the Dominican Republic, where he had been shooting a film called Dangerous Waters.
67 years old and still in apparently good health, Liotta had been planning to marry his girlfriend, Jacy Nittolo, who was with him at the time. He is also survived by his daughter, Karen, from his previous marriage to Michelle Grace.
Liotta was abandoned as a baby and raised by adoptive parents in a modest home before falling in love with the theatre. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for one of his first screen roles, in Something Wild. In between films he enjoyed success as a television actor, frequently playing corrupt cops or criminals. He lent his vocal talents to Grand Theft Auto and also voiced a character in Spongebob Squarepants. His other big screen hits included Cop Land, The Rat Pack, Blow, Muppets From Space and, recently, Sopranos spin-off The Many Saints Of Newark. His final completed film, Cocaine Bear, is due to be released next year.
Goodfellas co-star Lorraine Bracco said that she felt shattered by the news and echoed the thoughts of other actors who shared the screen with him, who said that he was a joy to work with. "He was dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors," said Alessandro Nivola.
