The Life, Disease, and Unexpected Death of Ray Liotta-Everything To Know
Get a glimpse into the extraordinary life of Ray Liotta, the acclaimed actor who left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Learn about his early struggles, breakthrough roles, and lasting legacy.
Ray Liotta, a renowned American actor, was born on December 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, USA. An interesting facet of his life is that he was adopted when he was only six months old, abandoned at an orphanage, and raised by Mary Edgar Liotta and Alfred Liotta. Growing up, he had an adopted sister, Linda, and later in his life, he discovered he had a biological sister, a half-brother, and five half-sisters.
Liotta's early education took place in Union, New Jersey. Upon graduating from Union High School in 1973, he studied acting at the University of Miami. Liotta graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, honing his craft through performances at the University's Jerry Herman Ring Theatre.
Profile Summary
| Information Type | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Name | Raymond Allen Liotta |
| Celebrated Name | Ray Liotta |
| Gender | Male |
| Main Profession | Actor, producer, director, voice actor |
| Nationality | American |
| Born In | Newark, NJ, USA |
| Date of Birth | 18th December 1954 |
| Died In | 27th May 2022 |
| Age | 67 years |
| Height | 6' 0'' (183 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Marital/Relationship Status | Engaged (Jacy Nittolo) |
| Spouse | Michelle Grace (divorced) |
| Children | Karsen Liotta |
| Net Worth | $14 million |
| Place of Death | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Body Measurements | 44-34-15.5 in (107-89-39.5 cm) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Mother | Mary Edgar Liotta |
| Father | Alfred Liotta |
| Siblings | Eight |
| School/University | Union High School, University of Miami |
| Cause of Death | Sudden adult death syndrome |
The Genesis of a Hollywood Star
Liotta embarked on his acting journey right after his graduation. Moving to New York City, he worked as a bartender at the Shubert Organization before landing his first role on TV as Joey Perrini on the soap opera, "Another World." His performance on the show from 1978 to 1981 caught the eyes of Hollywood, and he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time acting career.
His debut in Hollywood came in 1983 with "The Lonely Lady." However, his breakthrough role was Ray Sinclair in Jonathan Demme's "Something Wild" in 1986. The performance earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his standing in the industry.
A Versatile Career Spanning Decades
Ray Liotta was a versatile actor who could play various characters, from tough guys to charming lovers to complex antiheroes. He starred in some of the most iconic films of the past few decades, and his performances are still remembered and celebrated today.
Here are some of Ray Liotta's most memorable film roles:
- Henry Hill in "Goodfellas" (1990). Liotta's breakout role was as Henry Hill, a young man who becomes involved in the mob. His performance was praised for its authenticity and ability to capture organized crime's darkly humorous side.
- Davey DiVito in "Something Wild" (1986). Liotta played a charming but unhinged ex-convict in this cult classic. His performance was funny and menacing, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Shoeless Joe Jackson in "Field of Dreams" (1989). Liotta gave a heartwarming performance as Shoeless Joe Jackson, a baseball legend who returns to Earth to help a young farmer build a baseball field. His performance was praised for its emotional depth and ability to capture baseball's magic.
- Lt. Henry Oak in "Cop Land" (1997). Liotta plays a small-town cop who is investigating a series of murders. His performance was praised for its intensity and ability to capture the character's moral ambiguity.
- Tommy Vercetti in "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" (2002). Liotta provided the voice and likeness of Tommy Vercetti, the protagonist of the popular video game. His performance was praised for its charisma and ability to bring the character to life.
These are just a few of Ray Liotta's most memorable film roles. He was a talented actor who brought a unique energy and intensity to every role. His performances will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.
His Complete List Of Movies and series can be seen in the table below:
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GoodFellas | 1990 | 96% |
| 2 | Marriage Story | 2019 | 95% |
| 3 | No Sudden Move | 2021 | 92% |
| 4 | Something Wild | 1986 | 91% |
| 5 | Field of Dreams | 1989 | 88% |
| 6 | Narc | 2002 | 83% |
| 7 | The Place Beyond the Pines | 2012 | 78% |
| 8 | Kill the Messenger | 2014 | 77% |
| 9 | Cop Land | 1997 | 75% |
| 10 | Killing Them Softly | 2012 | 74% |
| 11 | Dominick and Eugene | 1988 | 77% |
| 12 | Unlawful Entry | 1992 | 74% |
| 13 | The Many Saints of Newark | 2021 | 71% |
| 14 | Snowmen | 2010 | 67% |
| 15 | Date Night | 2010 | 66% |
| 16 | The Iceman | 2012 | 66% |
| 17 | Identity | 2003 | 63% |
| 18 | The Last Shot | 2004 | 62% |
| 19 | The Rat Pack | 1998 | 57% |
| 20 | Battle in Seattle | 2007 | 56% |
| 21 | Blow | 2001 | 55% |
| 22 | Heartbreakers | 2001 | 54% |
| 23 | No Escape | 1994 | 57% |
| 24 | Observe and Report | 2009 | 51% |
| 25 | Phoenix | 1998 | 50% |
| 26 | Bee Movie | 2007 | 49% |
| 27 | The Details | 2011 | 46% |
| 28 | Take the Lead | 2006 | 44% |
| 29 | Article 99 | 1992 | 43% |
| 30 | Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For | 2014 | 43% |
| 31 | Hannibal | 2001 | 39% |
| 32 | Local Color | 2006 | 39% |
| 33 | Corrina, Corrina | 1994 | 37% |
| 34 | Powder Blue | 2009 | 25% |
| 35 | Even Money | 2006 | 24% |
| 36 | John Q | 2002 | 25% |
| 37 | Better Living Through Chemistry | 2014 | 22% |
| 38 | Unforgettable | 1996 | 21% |
| 39 | Inferno | 1999 | 20% |
| 40 | Go With Me | 2015 | 20% |
| 41 | Turbulence | 1997 | 16% |
| 42 | Crossing Over | 2009 | 15% |
| 43 | Revolver | 2005 | 15% |
| 44 | The Son of No One | 2011 | 15% |
| 45 | Revenge of the Green Dragons | 2014 | 15% |
| 46 | Wild Hogs | 2007 | 14% |
| 47 | Slow Burn | 2005 | 12% |
| 48 | Crazy on the Outside | 2010 | 8% |
| 49 | The Identical | 2014 | 6% |
| 50 | In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale | 2007 | 4% |
| 51 | The Lonely Lady | 1983 | 0% |
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Liotta's personal life was as intriguing as his acting career. He married actress and producer Michelle Grace, with whom he had a daughter, Karsen. After divorcing Grace in 2004, he started dating Jacy Nittolo, a former hairdresser, making their relationship public in early 2020.
Ray Liotta's Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his passing, Ray Liotta had an estimated net worth of $14 million, garnered from his successful acting career and his ventures in film production and directing.
A Sudden and Mysterious End
Liotta's sudden death on May 26, 2022, shocked and saddened fans and fellow artists alike. He died while filming "Dangerous Waters" in the Dominican Republic.
The cause of Liotta's death was attributed to atherosclerotic disease, an accumulation of plaque comprised of fat, cholesterol, and other substances inside artery walls. This condition contributed to respiratory and heart failure and pulmonary edema - excess lung fluid.
Dominican officials estimated that Liotta died approximately 8-10 hours before the autopsy. No official reports suggested that Liotta suffered from any prior illness.
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Conclusion
Ray Liotta was an extraordinary actor whose impact on the entertainment industry remains profound. His life, marked with triumphs and challenges, was a testament to his resilience and versatility. His sudden death leaves an irreplaceable void in Hollywood, but his legacy will continue to inspire actors and movie lovers worldwide.
FAQs
Who was Ray Liotta?
Ray Liotta was a renowned American actor, film producer, and director known for his exceptional on-screen performances.
When was Ray Liotta born?
He was born on December 18, 1954.
What disease did Ray Liotta have?
Ray Liotta's death was attributed to atherosclerotic disease, which led to respiratory and heart failure and pulmonary edema.
Who were Ray Liotta's parents?
Ray Liotta was adopted and raised by Mary Edgar Liotta and Alfred Liotta.
Was Ray Liotta married at the time of his death?
Ray Liotta was divorced at his death but was engaged to Jacy Nittolo.
When did Ray Liotta die?
Ray Liotta died in his sleep on May 26, 2022, while filming "Dangerous Waters" in the Dominican Republic.
PLEASE NOTE: The details contained within this article are based on various sources and personal accounts. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that every piece of information is correct.
