Ray Liotta, Known For Role In 'Goodfellas,' Dies At 67: Reports

HOLLYWOOD, CA — New Jersey native Ray Liotta, known for his role playing Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese's film "Goodfellas," has died, according to a report. He was 67.

Liotta died while in the Dominican Republic, TMZ reported. He was shooting a movie called "Dangerous Waters" on the island. Both Deadline and TMZ reported Liotta died in his sleep.

The actor was born Dec. 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, and was adopted by Alfred and Mary Liotta when he was a baby. He graduated from Union High School in 1973 and later studied acting at the University of Miami before moving to New York.

The following year, Liotta's acting career began with his role playing Joey Perrini on the TV show "Another World" from 1978-81.

But Liotta became well known nationally for playing Shoeless Joe Jackson in the hit 1989 Kevin Costner film "Field of Dreams." In 1990, he earned the role of mobster Henry Hill in "Goodfellas," which was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including best picture and best director.

Liotta has also starred in other films including "Cop Land," "Corrina Corrina," "Operation Dumbo Drop," "Unforgettable," "Wild Hogs" and "Blow."

Recently, he appeared in the 2019 Netflix film “Marriage Story” and the “Sopranos” prequel series “The Many Saints of Newark.”

Liotta leaves behind his daughter, Karsen, and his fianceé, Jacy Nittolo.

Tributes poured in on social media from Liotta's fans and co-workers.

Lorraine Bracco, who played Karen Hill, wife of Liotta's Henry Hill in "Goodfellas," tweeted she was "utterly shattered to hear this terrible news."

"Goodfellas" co-star Robert De Niro told NBC News in an email: "I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. He is way too way young to have left us."

"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," Bracco tweeted.

"Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear," tweeted actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

"RIP, Ray Liotta. One of his last roles was also one of his best, as the unnervingly calm Uncle Sal in The Many Saints of Newark," tweeted Alan Sepinwall, chief TV critic at Rolling Stone.

"Shocked and saddened to hear of Ray Liotta’s passing," filmmaker James Mangold wrote, according to Variety. "Beyond the tough guy exterior and the tightly wound emotions of his signature characters, he was a sweet, playful and passionate collaborator and brilliant actor."

"RIP Ray Liotta!! Loved your work," tweeted actress Viola Davis.