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'Utterly shattered': Robert De Niro, Lorraine Bracco pay tribute to 'Goodfellas' star Ray Liotta

Robert De Niro said of his 'Goodfellas' co-star Ray Liotta: 'He is way too young to have left us. May he Rest in Peace'

Legendary actor Ray Liotta, known for his performance in the crime classic 'Goodfellas', died in his sleep on May 26, at 67. He was filming a movie in the Dominican Republic at the time of his death. The cause of his death has not been revealed.

“I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing,” his “Goodfellas” co-star Robert De Niro told New York Post. “He is way too young to have left us. May he Rest in Peace.” Martin Scorsese, the film's director, was “absolutely shocked and devastated” by Liotta’s death. “He was so uniquely gifted, so adventurous, so courageous as an actor,” Scorsese said in a statement.

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Besides 'Goodfellas', Liotta appeared in 'Something Wild', for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He also starred in 'Unlawful Entry' (1992), 'Cop Land' (1997), 'Hannibal' (2001), 'Blow' (2001), 'John Q' (2002), 'Identity' (2003), 'Observe and Report' (2009), and 'Killing Them Softly' (2012), among others.

Before his death, Liotta was last spotted in public as he held hands with his fiancée, 46-year-old Jacy Nittolo, on May 1. The pair was seen walking down the street in Pacific Palisades, where he lived. They had earlier eaten at Spruzzo Italian restaurant. Liotta and Nittolo have been engaged since Christmas Day 2020. 

Liotta is being mourned on social media by both fans and celebrities. In a Twitter post, actress Lorraine Bracco wrote, "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." Actor Seth Rogen wrote, "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." "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," actor Jeffrey Wright wrote. 

"Ray Liotta could play in Good Fellas as a vicious gangster and could play as a lovable character in the Muppets. He was amazing actor, man, and great friend," actor Danny Trejo wrote, while director and actor Giancarlo Esposito said, "Although its been years since we worked together, each time we crossed each other’s paths, you were always sincere, kind, gracious, and a loving gentleman. You will be sorely missed, Ray Liotta. Fly with the Angels you insanely talented human being. You touched my life." Stand-up comic Rob Schneider commented, "Ray Liotta, An actor of instant believability. No matter who else was on screen, your eye went to him with a sense of danger. His laugh was contagious and generous. A lovely man, an incredible actor. It was an honor to have known him."