Actor Ray Liotta passed away in his sleep May 26 according to reports in several entertainment media outlets. He was 67 years old.
Born December 18, 1954, Mr. Liotta was a New Jersey native, the adopted son of political organizers. He attended the University of Miami, receiving a BFA in Drama, where he performed in Dames at Sea, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, and Cabaret. Upon moving to New York City, he worked for the Shubert Organization as a bartender before shifting to the world of soap operas and film.
In 1986, he lept to prominence in Something Wild, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. In 1989, he played Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams, prior to stepping into his career-making role, Henry Hill in Martin Scorcese's Goodfellas.
He formed a niche for himself as a leading figure in films such as Unlawful Energy, Unforgettable, The Rat Pack, Phoenix, and Corrina, Corrina before eventually transitioning into self-referential voiceover roles in Grand Theft Auto, The Bee Movie, and Phineas and Ferb.
Mr. Liotta returned to New York in 2004 to play Mike in Stephen Belber's Match on Broadway opposite Frank Langella.
Mr. Liotta is survived by his daughter Karsyn, and fiancee Jacy Nittolo.