Ray Liotta
Ray Liotta
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ray Liotta's full name is Raymond Allen Liotta. He was often referred to as "Mr. Smith" in the film industry due to his portrayal of a character with that alias in the movie Field of Dreams.
Birth and Death Dates
Raymond Allen Liotta was born on December 18, 1954, and passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ray Liotta held American nationality. He was an accomplished actor known for his versatility in playing a wide range of roles throughout his career. In addition to acting, he also directed several films and television shows.
Early Life and Background
Liotta's family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's work as a director of mechanics for the Ford Motor Company. The constant change of environment led him to attend various schools in different parts of the country. He eventually settled down at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey.
Major Accomplishments
Liotta received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams (1989). His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and recognition as one of the greatest performances by an actor in American cinema. He also delivered standout performances in films like Something Wild (1986), Blow (2001), and Hannibal (2001).
Notable Works or Actions
Liotta's extensive filmography includes a mix of blockbuster hits, critically acclaimed dramas, and memorable television appearances. Some of his notable roles include:
In Something Wild, Liotta played Ray Sinclair, a charming con artist who falls in love with the protagonist.
His portrayal of Jimmy Conway in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas (1990) earned him recognition for his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions and body language.
He lent his voice to the character of Harry Gardner in the animated film Happy Feet Two (2011).
Liotta appeared as himself in several episodes of the popular television series The Simpsons.
Impact and Legacy
Throughout his career, Ray Liotta demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to various roles. He seamlessly transitioned from playing villains and anti-heroes to delivering nuanced performances in more dramatic parts. His work had a lasting impact on the film industry, inspiring generations of actors with his talent and dedication.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Liotta's extensive body of work has left an indelible mark on popular culture. He will be remembered for his captivating performances, intriguing characters, and enduring legacy as one of Hollywood's most talented actors.
Quotes by Ray Liotta
Ray Liotta's insights on:
There are a lot of actors who will watch the monitors. They'll do a scene, and then the director will look back to see if he got whatever he wanted. I just find it odd to sit there and watch yourself.
I was looking to become more proactive with my career because I wasn't crazy with some of the scripts I was getting - this was before Blow and Hannibal - so I decided to start my own production company.
With any mannerisms or dialogue, you have to be careful you're not just serving yourself. What happens with improving is a lot of times, if you're not in the framework of the script, you're just making everything easier so it fits you.
I’m not a proponent of people watching a movie, and then going out and doing something bad. People have been doing bad things, well before movies.
I think that if you can achieve a balance, then you appease a lot of yourself and your career and what it takes to maintain in this business for a while.
I would like to do a lot more of it, I feel comfortable with it and basically it’s all in the writing. I’m not a personality type actor, I need a good script in order to be funny, but it’s definitely something that I like doing.
I’ve done a few movies where I really liked the project, but I wasn’t sure about the director, and I still did it and my instinct was right, in the beginning. Even though it was a good story, the guy still didn’t really know what he was doing.