The world of cinema lost one of its most iconic actors last year when Ray Liotta passed away at the age of 67. The star of Goodfellas, Field of Dreams and The Many Saints of Newark died in his sleep while filming Dangerous Waters in the Dominican Republic. Now, almost a year later, his official cause of death has been revealed.
According to documents obtained by TMZ, Liotta died of natural and nonviolent causes, related to heart and respiratory issues. The report states that he suffered from pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), acute heart failure and respiratory insufficiency. He also had atherosclerosis, a condition that causes plaque buildup on the artery walls.
Liotta was known for his intense and charismatic performances, often playing tough and complex characters. He earned an Emmy Award for his guest role on ER in 2005 and a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas in 1990. He also appeared in other acclaimed films such as Something Wild, Cop Land, Narc and Marriage Story.
Liotta was engaged to Jacy Nittolo at the time of his death and had a daughter, Karsen Liotta, with his ex-wife Michelle Grace. His daughter paid tribute to him at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in February 2023, saying “He was my best friend and I lucked out with him as a dad.” His fiancée also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling him “the love of my life.”
Liotta’s legacy will live on through his films and his fans, who will always remember him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
