Stars, fans react to Ray Liotta’s death at 67: ‘I am utterly shattered’
News surfaced on Thursday that legendary actor Ray Liotta reportedly died in his sleep at the age of 67.
The “Goodfellas” star passed away in the Dominican Republic, where he was filming “Dangerous Waters.”
Celebrities and fans alike paid tribute to the “Shades of Blue” actor across social media on May 26.
“I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing,” his “Goodfellas” co-star Robert De Niro told The Post in a statement. “He is way too way young to have left us. May he Rest in Peace.”
Martin Scorsese, who directed the classic film, said he was “proud” of the project they did together.
“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,” he said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. 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. 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.”
“I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray,” wrote his “Goodfellas” co-star Lorraine Bracco. “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.”
And Jennifer Lopez, who co-starred alongside Liotta for three seasons in the NBC cop drama “Shades of Blue,” shared her own long, touching Twitter thread to celebrate his life and legacy.
“Ray was my partner in crime on Shades of Blue … the first thing that comes to mind is he so was kind to my children. Ray was the epitome of a tough guy who was all mushy on the inside,” she wrote. “I guess that’s what made him such a compelling actor to watch. The original Goodfella.
“We shared some intense moments on set those three years! 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. 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.”
She also called him “a great” in Hollywood and expressed support for his family.
“Like a raw nerve, he was so accessible and so in touch in his acting and I will always remember our time together fondly. We lost a great today … RIP RAY … it’s so sad to lose you what seems way to soon,” she continued. “I will remember you always. Sending so much love and strength to your daughter Karsen, your family and all your loved ones.”
Alessandro Nivola, who appeared alongside “Field of Dreams” actor Liotta in the 2021 “Sopranos” prequel film “The Many Saints of Newark,” called him “dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious” in a tweet.
“RIP Ray Liotta. I feel so lucky to have squared off against this legend in one of his final roles,” he wrote. “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.”
“I’m really sad to hear that Ray Liotta has passed away. He was an friend back in the day and it’s very sad. We had a lot of laughs Rest In Peace My friend,” Rosanna Arquette wrote, while “90210” star Trevor Donovan added, “RIP to the legend Ray Liotta. It was an honor to work with him for 6 months filming ‘Texas Rising’ in Mexico. He was one of the good ones. Condolences to his family.”
“Halloween” legend Jamie Lee Curtis weighed in that his acting work “showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear.”
Emmy winner Jeffrey Wright wrote that he had “just met dude for the first time last year. GREAT actor. Nice to have had a chance to say that to him. RIP.”
“Princess Bride” star Cary Elwes wrote, “Very sad to hear the news this morning about the passing of #RayLiotta. An extraordinary talent whose remarkable performances left an indelible mark on the screen. Our deepest condolences to his family. RIP Ray.”
Actor Titus Welliver said: “Gutted. Too young. RIP Ray.” Viola Davis chimed in, “RIP Ray Liotta!! Loved your work!”
Journalist Piers Morgan tweeted, “RIP Ray Liotta, 67. Brilliant actor, loved him in Goodfellas. Sad news.”
Fans also expressed their sadness over the New Jersey native’s death, writing: “I’m so so sad about ray liotta. his performance in goodfellas is so underrated and I was so ready for a well-earned renaissance for him.”
Another added: “RIP #RayLiotta . You’ll be missed for your charm and immense talent on screen.”