By Wonderwall.com Editors
10:01am PDT, May 29, 2022
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"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster….."
On May 26, 2022, sad news broke that legendary actor Ray Liotta, best known for his roles in famous films like "Goodfellas" and "Field of Dreams," passed away in his sleep at the age of 67. In his career, he had some of the most iconic quotes in cinema. When he passed, the star was in the Dominican Republic, where he'd been shooting his latest film "Dangerous Waters." Hollywood immediately reacted to the news of the ultimate Goodfella, with stars sharing their condolences.
Keep reading to see what stars had to say about Ray…
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"God is a Goodfella, and so is Ray" –Joe Pesci, via Entertainment Weekly
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"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," Kevin Costner tweeted alongside a clip from "Field of Dreams" in which Ray hits a baseball right at Kevin. "What happened that moment in the film was real. God gave us that stunt. Now God has Ray."
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"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." –Robert De Niro, in statement to The Hollywood Reporter
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"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. 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. 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 … I will remember you always. Sending so much love and strength to your daughter Karsen, your family and all your loved ones." —Jennifer Lopez
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"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." –Lorraine Bracco
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"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. 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." –Martin Scorsese via PEOPLE
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"Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear." –Jamie Lee Curtis
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"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
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"My buddy. My friend. How so soon? Why? I'll miss you. I will think about seeing you at Gold's often, talking about what to do next, how to find something together. I always looked up to you — the work was always so good, but the man you were always stood out among the rest of them. Yes, I will miss you, pal. Until we meet again, wherever they say that is. ❤️❤️💔 #riprayliotta" –Josh Brolin
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"Goodbye Ray.. Thank you for the memories, your generosity at work, your wicked sense of humor, your raw grit & lazer stare.You had me at 'Dominick & Eugene' One of a kind. .. My condolences to your family." –Debi Mazar
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"RIP Ray Liotta!! Loved your work" –Viola Davis
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"I'm devastated to hear of Ray's passing. He was fantastic to work with and gave a great performance that I am sorry he never got to see. I was a long time fan and getting to work with him was everything I hoped it would be. My thoughts go out to his family." –Charlie Day
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"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" –Alessandro Nivola
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"Heart. Breaking. Goodbye legend." –Josh Gad
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"RIP GOODFELLA Ray Liotta. I adored you. I love knowing you all those years ago." –Kristin Chenoweth
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"I stepped on the set of Black Bird in May of last year deeply excited that I would be working with Ray Liotta and even more excited that he would be playing my father.
He was keeping himself to himself. Protecting his energy and his performance. I didn't know how to approach him as I didn't want to intrude.
He caught my eye and walked over to me and hugged me without saying a word. It was a long hug. But not uncomfortable. We only spoke to each other in character for that first day. I took my lead from him. I think he wanted us to be a father and son before we were colleagues.
What ensued was a profound experience for me as an actor; I have never felt such an easy, warm connection with another performer. He was so generous. If I went one way he followed me. Always dancing. Always listening. Never self-generated.
I am extraordinarily proud of my next project. It was hard work and I was blessed to have a number of incredible scene partners, but I will always be most proud of my scenes with Ray; the relationship we built felt real in some strange way.
When I first saw our show I text him telling him that I felt his performance was beautiful and that I was very proud of our work.
His response was: 'you made it easy to love my son.'
Ray, the feeling was so, so mutual.
I will miss you." –Taron Egerton
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"Absolutely stunned at the passing of Ray Liotta. I never had the privilege of working with him but his reputation as one of the good guys was well known. A tragic loss. #RIPRayLiotta" –Lou Diamond Phillips
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"Oh man what an immense actor he was " –Helena Christensen
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"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
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"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" –Cary Elwes
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"RIP Ray Liotta terrific actor, the original Goodfella, wonderful career, premature death. Condolences to his family. He died doing what he loved, with his boots on, making movies." –Geraldo Rivera
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"I try not to do the RIPs but Ray Liotta was truly one of my favorites to watch. He just has this magnetic draw to his performances, which is part of the reason 'Goodfellas remains tied with 'Aliens' as my favorite film(s) ever made. This one stung more than usual." –Devon Sawa
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"Ray Liotta. Man. Just met dude for the first time last year. GREAT actor. Nice to have had a chance to say that to him. RIP." –Jeffrey Wright
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"WHAT!!!! No! Omg! I was watering the lawn this morning and I was thinking about Ray he popped into my head. Oh No! RIP RAY RAY…" –Joe Pantoliano
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"RIP Ray Liotta, 67. Brilliant actor, loved him in Goodfellas. Sad news." –Piers Morgan
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"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." –Trevor Donovan
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"'I'm An Average Nobody. I Get To Live The Rest Of My Life Like A Schnook.' – Henry Hill in Goodfellas What a performance. What a career. What a life. RIP Ray" –Greg Ellis
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"Ray Liotta. Something Wild. What a talent. Rest In Peace." –Brent Spiner
