Ray Liotta: 15 Best Films Honoring The Actor's Career in Photos

The world said goodbye to legendary actor Ray Liotta after he unexpectedly died in his sleep Thursday at age 67. His career spanned over three decades, playing iconic characters that will continue to live on forever.

Liotta got somewhat of a late start to his acting career, taking on his first major role at the age of 32 in the 1986 film "Something Wild." From there, Liotta would go on to be one of America's biggest Hollywood movie stars, starring in films such as "Goodfellas," "Smokin' Aces" and "Field of Dreams." Whether he was taking on the lead or a supporting character, Liotta had a staying power that audiences and critics will never forget.

In a celebration of the actor's life, check out photos of some of his most memorable roles below.

"Something Wild" (1986)

Role: Ray Sinclair

Legacy: Remembered for being his first major acting gig, "Something Wild" launched a relatively unknown Liotta into superstardom. Liotta, who already 32 years old at the time, earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the ex-convict Sinclair who'd do anything to get his wife (Melanie Griffith) back.

"Dominick and Eugene" (1988)

Role: Eugene Luciano

Legacy: Playing the brother of a mentally challenged garbage worker (Tom Hulce), Liotta gave his character Eugene a raw emotion that pulled on the heartstrings of critics and audiences alike.

"Field of Dreams" (1989)

Role: Shoeless Joe Jackson

Legacy: Remembered as one of the most iconic roles of his career, Liotta played the ghost of a baseball legend who visits a cornfield where a farmer (Kevin Costner) builds a baseball field. The film went on to be nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

"Goodfellas" (1990)

Role: Henry Hill

Legacy: Undoubtedly the pinnacle of his career, "Goodfellas" certified Liotta as one of the hottest actors of his time. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film followed the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill (played by Liotta) and went on to earn six Academy Award nominations. It's regarded as one of the best films ever made and was even selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress.

"Unlawful Entry" (1992)

Role: Officer Pete Davis

Legacy: Liotta's portrayal of a lonely cop who befriends a local couple, only to obsess over the wife, made a chilling mark on the actor's career.

"Cop Land" (1997)

Role: Gary “Figgsy” Figgis

Legacy: Written and directed by James Mangold, this American crime drama became a box office success, grossing $63.7 million on a $15 million budget.

"The Rat Pack" (1998, TV Movie)

Role: Frank Sinatra

Legacy: In what was a departure from his typical cop or criminal role, "Rat Pack" gave Liotta a chance to show his versatility as an actor with his portrayal of the legendary singer Frank Sinatra. The film was a success for HBO, earning a Golden Globe and three Emmys.

"Heartbreakers" (2001)

Role: Dean Cumanno / Vinny Staggliano

Legacy: Co-starring with Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt, Liotta showed his comedic skills with "Heartbreakers," a film following a mother-daughter duo who would seduce men just to con them out of their money.

"Narc" (2002)

Role: Henry Oak

Legacy: "Narc" shows Liotta taking on the role of police detective who joins his partner to search for the murderer of an undercover police officer. The film marked another critical favorite for Liotta.

"John Q" (2002)

Role: Chief Gus Monroe

Legacy: While Liotta may not be the first person who comes to mind when remembering this film, his minor role — as the police chief interacting with a father (Denzel Washington) who would go to any length to get his son medical treatment — is certainly not one to miss.

"Revolver" (2005)

Role: Dorothy Macha

Legacy: Playing a crime boss who takes on a hotshot gambler in a private casino game, Liotta offers an exhilarating character unlike ones audiences had previously seen.

"Smokin' Aces" (2006)

Role: Donald Carruthers

Legacy: This moderately successful action thriller is most notably remembered for its stellar cast, and while it received mixed reviews, Liotta was a common highlight for everyone.

"The Place Beyond the Pines" (2012)

Role: Deluca

Legacy: Following three linear stories that ultimately connect, "The Place Beyond the Pines" saw Liotta as a supporting character who again made a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

"Marriage Story" (2019)

Role: Jay Marotta

Legacy: Released just as the pandemic was starting to unfurl, "Marriage Story" was one of the first films offered in theaters and through a streaming service. This Netflix film about the mundane hardships of a married couple, played by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, swept the award season and was another example of Liotta's versatility as an actor.

"The Many Saints of Newark " (2021)

Role: "Hollywood Dick" Moltisanti / Salvatore "Sally" Moltisanti

Legacy: Dubbed as the prequel to the television series "The Sopranos," "The Many Saints of Newark" saw the actor take on two roles. Feeling as if it was too close to his role in "Goodfellas," Liotta initially passed on playing Ralph “Ralphie” Cifaretto in the hit HBO series. This new film was sort of redemption for Liotta, as he fought to land a role in the prequel, even offering to fly to New York to meet with the creators.

Honorable Mentions

"Muppets Most Wanted" (2014)

Role: Big Papa

Legacy: While having only a cameo in the movie, Liotta's few minutes in this Muppets tale goes down as being one of the actor's most memorable roles.

"Shades of Blue" (2016-2018, TV Series)

Role: Matt Wozniak

Legacy: Co-starring with Jennifer Lopez, "Shades of Blue" brought Liotta to the small screen as yet another police detective, but this time with a unique arc unlike anything the actor had done before. Due to Lopez's busy schedule, the show only lasted two seasons, despite being a critical success.