Tributes to actor Ray Liotta who has died aged 67 have poured in, with the Goodfellas star described as a "true legend" and gentleman.
The Hollywood actor passed away in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting the film, Dangerous Waters.
The Golden Globe nominee, who made his name in the 1980s, had recently appeared in movies The Many Saints of Newark, Marriage Story and No Sudden Move.
Popstar Jennifer Lopez, who starred alongside Ray in crime drama Shades of Blue from 2016 to 2018 paid tribute to her "partner in crime".
Jennifer shared a series of photos on Instagram of them together along with a clip of the pair acting out an emotional scene during the show.
She wrote: “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.
“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 pop superstar and actor recalled how she was “thrilled” to learn he had got the role on Shades of Blue and how they had an “electric spark and a mutual respect” from their first scene.
She added: “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.
“We lost a great today … RIP RAY … it’s so sad to lose you what seems way too soon … I will remember you always. Sending so much love and strength to your daughter Karsen, your family and all your loved ones.”
Kevin Costner recalled the "god-given" baseball scene in film Field of Dreams with Ray.
Costner starred as farmer Ray Kinsella while Liotta played Shoeless Joe Jackson in the 1989 film, which was nominated for three Oscars.
Sharing a video clip of the classic scene to Instagram, Costner wrote: “Devastated to hear the news of Ray Liotta’s passing.
“While he leaves an incredible legacy, he’ll always be ‘Shoeless Joe Jackson’ in my heart.
“What happened that moment in the film was real. God gave us that stunt. Now God has Ray.”
Singer Ed Sheeran said he was "so very sad" to hear of the actor's death.
Ed recalled working with Liotta on the music video for his song Bloodstream and hanging out with him at gigs, adding: “He was such a fun guy, so so sweet, and I loved being around him.
“Goodfellas will always be my favourite movie. Will raise a toast tonight for him”.
Rocketman actor Taron Egerton recalled the “profound experience” of playing Liotta’s son in the upcoming Apple TV series Black Bird.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the actor described his excitement on the first day on set and how Liotta came over to give him a long hug without saying a word.
He added: “What ensued was a profound experience for me as an actor; I have never felt such an easy, warm connection with another performer. He was so generous. If I went one way he followed me. Always dancing. Always listening. Never self-generated.”
Actor Lorraine Bracco, who played Liotta’s wife Karen Hill in gangster movie Goodfellas said: “I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray.
“I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favourite 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.”
Actor Seth Rogen described Ray Liotta as a “true legend” as he recalled the “joy” of starring alongside him in the 2009 comedy film Observe And Report.
He tweeted: “I can’t believe Ray Liotta has passed away. He was such a lovely, talented and hilarious person.
“Working with him was one of the great joys of my career and we made some of my favourite scenes I ever got to be in. A true legend of immense skill and grace.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred with Ray Liotta in 1988 drama Dominick And Eugene, remembered Ray as a “gentle man”.
She tweeted: “Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear.”
Actress Rosanna Arquette expressed sadness over the news too.
She wrote on Twitter : “I’m really sad to hear that Ray Liotta has passed away.
“He was an friend back in the day and it’s very sad. We had a lot of laughs Rest In Peace My friend.”
The Batman actor Jeffrey Wright also paid tribute to the screen legend.
He 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.”
Performer Alessandro Nivola said that acting alongside Ray Liotta in the 2021 crime drama The Many Saints Of Newark was one of his career highlights.
Nivola paid tribute by sharing a photo of one of their scenes together, writing: “RIP Ray Liotta. I feel so lucky to have squared off against this legend in one of his final roles.
“The scenes we did together were among the all time highlights of my acting career.
“He was dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors. Too soon.”
Ray leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and he was also engaged to be married to Jacy Nittolo.
The actor had roles in Phoenix, Pilgrim, legendary movie Hannibal, Narc, Wild Hogs, and dozens more.
He was due to star opposite Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in the Working Title film The Substance.
His last social media post, shared on May 3, was a screenshot of a headline confirming the news of one of his movies.
The headline read: "Elizabeth Banks' 'Cocaine Bear' Sets February 2023 Theatrical Release."
A publicist for Ray said the actor died in his sleep.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
