Actor and voice actor Ray Liotta, star of Goodfellas (1990) and Field of Dreams (1989), unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on May 26, 2022 at the age of 67. He was on location the Dominican Republic, filming Dangerous Waters at the time.
Geek Cred
Born November 18, 1954, Ray Liotta was best known for playing gangsters on the big screen, but his talents didn’t end there. He also appeared in two Muppet movies, Muppets Most Wanted (2014) and Muppets from Space (1999). His Disney work included Principal Luger in Hannah Montana and Captain Doyle in Operation Dumbo Drop (1995).
Liotta provided the voices to many characters in the fantasy genre. His voice work included the Bubble Poppin Leader in Spongebob Squarepants, the role of Tommy Vercetti in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Sin City, and Dracula in Dear Dracula, and the Abominable Dad in Abominable Christmas. In the video game Mob of the Dead he voiced Billy Handsome.
Awards and Honors
In 2016 Liotta was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in the category of Performance Arts.
Three times he performed in movies that won the Oscar for Best Picture: Field of Dreams (1989), Goodfellas (1990), and Marriage Story 2019.
In 2005, Liotta won a primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Charlie Metcalf in E.R.
In 1987, Liotta tied with Dennis Hopper for Best Supporting Actor the Society of Film Critics Award. Hopper played Booth in Blue Velvet(1986); Liotta played Sinclair in Something Wild(1986).
Ray Liotta was married to producer/actress Michelle Grace from 1997 to 2004. They had one daughter, actress Carsen Liotta. At the time of his death, Liotta was engaged to Jacy Nittolo.
Our condolences to daughter Carsen Liotta and J. Nittolo.
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Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress #30”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.
