Ray Liotta dead: Goodfellas star Lorraine Bracco pens emotional tribute

Celebrities including Lorraine Bracco have shared emotional tributes to Ray Liotta following the actor’s death, aged 67.

Liotta was best known for starring in the critically acclaimed movie Goodfellas, playing mobster Henry Hill.

News of his death broke on Friday after he died in his sleep while in the Dominican Republic, shooting a new film.

Fans and famous friends were quick to celebrate the star’s life, with co star Bracco penning a particularly emotional message.

The Emmy Award nominee also starred in Goodfellas, branding Liotta ‘my Ray’ as she confessed to being ‘utterly shattered’ upon hearing the ‘terrible news.’

‘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 favourite 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,’ she tweeted.

The Batman actor Jeffrey Wright reminisced on his first encounter with the star, saying Liotta was a ‘great’ actor.

‘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,’ he wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, actor and activist Rosanna Arquett added that she is ‘really sad’ to hear of her friend’s death, tweeting: ‘I’m really sad to hear that Ray Liotta has passed away. He was a friend back in the day and it’s very sad. We had a lot of laughs Rest In Peace My friend.’

Another pal and colleague of Liotta’s was Alessandro Nivola, who worked with him in The Many Saints of Newark.

The American actor has shared how ‘lucky’ he felt to star opposite the film icon, writing: ‘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 went on to describe Liotta as ‘dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors,’ saying he was taken ‘too soon.’

Stars of the music world have shared their memories of Liotta too, with Ed Sheeran praising his work on the Bloodstream music video.

Taking to Instagram to express that he was ‘so very sad to hear of Ray Liotta’s passing,’ Sheeran wrote: ‘I got to work with him on the Bloodstream music video with Emil Nava, and got hung out with him at gigs. He was such a fun guy, so so sweet, and I loved being around him. Goodfellas will always be my favourite movie. Will raise a toast tonight for him xx’

Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan also shared a photo of Liotta doing what he did best.

‘RIP Ray Liotta, 67. Brilliant actor, loved him in Goodfellas. Sad news,’ the former Life Stories host wrote.

Other actor credits include thrillers Unlawful Entry, and Unforgettable while, more recently, Liotta featured in the Oscar nominated film Marriage Story, alongside Adam Driver and Scarlet Johansson.

He also appeared on the small screen in a range of TV shows, from Saturday Night Live to Phineas and Ferb, and Modern Family.

Liotta leaves behind daughter, Karsen, who he shared with his ex-wife Michelle Grace, and partner Jacy Nittolo, to whom he was engaged at the time of his death.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Source: Read Full Article