Ray Liotta

ABOUT

Ray Liotta was an American actor, producer, and voice actor who gained international fame for his captivating performances on screen. He was best known for his role as Henry Hill in the iconic crime film "Goodfellas" (1990) directed by Martin Scorsese. Throughout his career, Ray demonstrated incredible versatility, excelling in different genres from crime dramas to comedy. His piercing blue eyes and intense acting style made him a memorable presence in both film and television.

BEFORE FAME

Raymond Allen Liotta was born on December 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey. He was adopted by Mary and Alfred Liotta when he was just six months old. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, Ray grew up in Union, New Jersey, and attended Union High School. Early on, he showed interest in sports like soccer and basketball rather than acting. It wasn't until he attended the University of Miami that his path to acting began to unfold. He studied acting and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts in 1978.

TRIVIA

• Ray Liotta won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his appearance in "ER" (2004).
• He voiced Tommy Vercetti, the lead character of the highly acclaimed video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."
• Despite his roles in numerous tough-guy films, Liotta avoided indulging in Hollywood's party scene, claiming that it wasn't his style.
• He made his Broadway debut in 2004, performing in Stephen Belber’s "Match."
• A notable sports fan, Ray loved the New York Yankees and was often seen attending games.

FAMILY LIFE

Ray Liotta was married to actress Michelle Grace from 1997 to 2004. The couple met at a baseball game where Michelle's former husband, Mark Grace, was playing. They had one daughter together, Karsen Liotta, who was born in 1998. Karsen followed in her father’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting. After his divorce, Ray kept his personal life relatively private, although he had been linked to several high-profile relationships throughout his life.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Ray Liotta worked with several renowned directors and actors during his career. His collaboration with Martin Scorsese in "Goodfellas" remains one of the highlights of his career. He also starred alongside actors like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco in the film. Liotta appeared in works directed by James Mangold, Ridley Scott, and Guy Ritchie, among others.

Ray Liotta’s legacy in Hollywood is marked by his intense, captivating performances and his ability to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. He passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 67, leaving behind a rich repertoire of work that continues to inspire and entertain.