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Ray Liotta Never Wanted To Be An Actor
Liotta Would Get Very Deep Into His Roles
Ray Liotta Had To Deal With His Mom's Passing While Filming 'Goodfellas'
According to TMZ, Ray Liotta sadly passed away at the age of 67 in the Dominican Republic. The actor will forever be remembered for his brilliance in the iconic film 'Goodfellas'.RELATED - Here’s How Ray Liotta Met His Fiancé, Jacy NittoloWe'll take a closer look at his career, such as his devotion to roles and how he became an actor. In addition, we'll discuss the tragedy Liotta faced while filming the classic 1990 film.
Ray Liotta Never Wanted To Be An Actor
Although he was an outstanding actor, getting into the business wasn't something Ray Liotta dreamed of. Instead, during his interview alongside Beverly Cohn, the late 'Goodfellas' star revealed that entering college, he really didn't know what he was going to do. However, taking on a drama class really changed things.
"I had no idea what I wanted to do. I played sports in high school. I didn't want to go to college. My dad said go to college and take whatever you want so I got into the University of Miami because basically, you just needed a pulse to get in there, at least at that time. I was just going to take liberal arts and when I got up to the line in registration, I saw that you had to take some math and history. I thought there's no way I'm taking math and history. I don't even want to be here. Right next to it, was the line for the Drama Department for theatre."
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Liotta was drawn to the drama teacher and as they say, the rest is history. Liotta had a brilliant career and a major reason for that was his level of commitment when he took on a role.
Liotta Would Get Very Deep Into His Roles
Ray took his job as an actor very seriously. When it was time to take on a role, it was all business. When he wasn't shooting the film, Liotta didn't like to get out of character so instead, he did his best to minimize the surrounding distractions.
"It kind of stays with you every day. In the beginning, it was real Method and then you realize, as you get older, that if you just use your imagination, it's gonna' be there. But, I just keep to myself. I don't go out. There's a lot of people who after work go to dinner but I just like to go home and get room service, watch some TV, some mindless stuff, and just get ready for the next day."
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Surprisingly enough, Liotta didn't get to work with Martin Scorsese on another project following 'Goodfellas'. The actor revealed that it wasn't because of a falling out or due to his decision, it is just the way things work at times. However, he did have tragedy take place at home while filming the iconic movie.
Ray Liotta Had To Deal With His Mom's Passing While Filming 'Goodfellas'
Released in the fall of 1990, 'Goodfellas' turned into a classic during the '90s. Surprisingly, it was underappreciated at first, bringing in $47 million at the box office.
Liotta was brilliant in his role as Henry Hill, but what makes things that much more remarkable is the fact that he underwent the terrible tragedy of his mother passing away while he was filming.
Liotta recalls just making it on time to see witness his mother's final moments.
"My mom was sick with cancer during the filming of 'Goodfellas,' and she passed away in the middle of it. ... It put things in perspective in a really deep way."
"I was doing a scene Friday. They told me," he said. "My knees buckled, but you realize you've got to go back and finish the scene. And I did."
"I went back that night, and luckily I was there when she passed, literally in my arms. I've never really talked about that," he added.
The world lost a tremendous actor at the age of 67, however, he'll finally be able to reunite alongside his late mother, Mary Liotta.
NEXT - 'Goodfellas': The One Thing Joe Pesci Got Wrong With His Portrayal Of Tommy DeSimone
