Jennifer Lopez Breaks Silence on Ray Liotta's Shocking Death: 'We Lost A Great Today'
By Afouda Bamidele on May 27, 2022 at 7:30 PM EDT
Hollywood was thrown into mourning today when one of her acting greats, Ray Liotta, passed away.
Liotta, who was best known for his role in the film, 'Goodfellas' died at 67. An outpouring of tributes has since commenced and the latest to remember the actor's legacy is his beloved co-star, Jennifer Lopez.
Jennifer Lopez Pays Tribute To Ray Liotta
Lopez shared a carousel of images and videos depicting the close bond she shared with the late actor, who was her co-star in the crime drama series, "Shades of Blue."
The seven-slide upload included a heartwarming photo of Liotta planting a sweet kiss on JLo's cheeks while on the red carpet, as well as a moving scene in the NBC drama where JLo's character (Detective Harlee Santos) is seen crying to Liotta's character (Lieutenant Matt Wozniak).
In the tear-jerking scene, Santos cries to Wozniak about her daughter and confesses her deep love for him before they hug it out. Other images included in the post showed playful, happy moments the co-stars shared.
"Ray was my partner in crime on Shades of Blue … the first thing that comes to mind is he was so kind to my children," JLo began her lengthy heartfelt tribute.
She continued, "Ray was the epitome of a tough guy who was all mushy on the inside … I guess that’s what made him such a compelling actor to watch. The original Goodfella."
The "Hustlers" actress noted that for the three years she worked with Liotta, they shared some "intense moments." Recalling the moment she found out that Liotta was going to be her partner-in-crime on the show, JLo confessed she was "thrilled."
"The first time we walked on set to do our first scene together there was an electric spark and a mutual respect and we both knew this was going to be good," Lopez reminisced.
The "Marry Me" star said she felt "lucky" to work and learn from the late Hollywood star and thoroughly "enjoyed" all the scenes she shot with him.
Addressing Liotta's personality and character, JLo wrote, "Like all artists he was complicated, sincere, honest and so very emotional. Like a raw nerve, he was so accessible and so in touch in his acting and I will always remember our time together fondly."
Concluding her moving tribute, Liotta's beloved co-star added, "We lost a great today … RIP RAY … it’s so sad to lose you what seems way to soon … I will remember you always. Sending so much love and strength to your daughter Karsen, your family and all your loved ones."
The 'Goodfellas' Actor Died At 67
The Blast reported the news earlier that Liotta suddenly died on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Per Deadline, who first broke the news, the New Jersey native died in his sleep while filming the upcoming movie, "Dangerous Waters" in the Dominican republic.
No foul play is suspected and no details about the cause of death have been disclosed. Liotta was engaged to fiancée Jacy Nittolo, who was also with him in the DR. The pair got engaged in 2020 and were set to walk down the aisle soon.
Liotta is survived by his only daughter Karsen whom he welcomed in his previous marriage to Michelle Grace. The late actor built quite the legacy during his time on earth.
His role as mobster Henry Hill alongside Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci in "Goodfellas" put him on the map and he has remained a staple in the industry ever since.
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Some of his notable acting credits include, "Field of Dreams," "Something Wild," "Hannibal, "Marriage Story," and "Cop Land," amongst others.
Several tributes have poured in from A-listers in the industry in the wake of his tragic demise. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Twitter, "Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear."
Actor Jeffrey Wright tweeted, “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.”
Producer David Zuckerman wrote, “I’ll never forget how terrifying #rayliotta was in SOMETHING WILD, the first time I’d seen him. Years later I directed him on FAMILY GUY and he was so sweet, almost shy. A magnificent actor. RIP.”
May his soul rest in peace.