After his performance in Jonathan Demme’s 1986 film “Something Wild,” many audiences first encountered the multifaceted and occasionally contradictory allure of Ray Liotta through his portrayal of Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas.” When inquired about the moment he realized Liotta was the ideal candidate for the role of Hill—a character characterized by his slick demeanor, self-assuredness, and effortless charm, yet possessing an underlying danger that rendered him both formidable and appealing—Scorsese noted that this realization did not occur during the casting process or even while filming, but rather during an encounter between the two prior to the commencement of production.
We considered only a select few actors for the role of Henry Hill, with Ray being among them,” Scorsese stated to Variety. “I had a particular concern. While I was confident in his ability to portray a character similar to the one in ‘Something Wild,’ this role required him to carry the entire film. He needed to embody someone who could plausibly emerge from that environment; he had to possess a certain innocence, exhibit authority, and, most importantly, exude charm to balance the violence and disturbing actions. I admired Ray’s performances, and we had a good rapport whenever we interacted, which gave me confidence in our potential collaboration.
Scorsese recounts an unexpected encounter in Venice while working on “The Last Temptation of Christ.” He was residing at the Excelsior Hotel and, while crossing the lobby to attend an interview, he noticed Ray waving to him from across the room, where he was with the cast of “Dominick and Eugene.” As Ray approached to greet him, he was met by a group of security personnel. “He managed the situation flawlessly,” Scorsese reflects. Despite Scorsese’s own fame, “Last Temptation” sparked significant controversy, prompting him to seek additional security due to death threats related to his adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ depiction of Jesus. “[Ray] remained composed, calm, and courteous,” he recalls. “He allowed the security team to follow their procedures and successfully de-escalated the situation. We exchanged glances, signaling that we would converse at a later time, and then parted ways.” Shortly thereafter, Scorsese made the decision to cast him in the role. “I took some time to consider it, but I now realize I was merely going through the motions,” he confesses. “That was the moment I understood he was meant to portray Henry Hill.”
Liotta is present in nearly every scene of “Goodfellas,” a task he manages with remarkable ease and consistency. Scorsese shares that, behind the camera, Liotta faced a significant personal challenge that threatened to disrupt their creative synergy and the actor’s concentration during what would become one of his most iconic roles. “One day, I learned that Ray had received distressing news. I went to his trailer, and upon entering, I found him in tears. His mother was gravely ill,” the director recalls. “I remember him repeating, ‘She adopted me and raised me, she’s the sweetest woman, why does she have this terrible cancer?’ I urged him to go be with her, but he refused.” This narrative highlights the profound struggles that actors sometimes endure, which compel them to portray characters that may starkly contrast their own emotions and identities. However, as Scorsese recounts, embodying Henry Hill provided Liotta with an opportunity to garner support and empathy from the cast and crew. “He was understandably distressed, facing a dire situation, yet he chose to remain and complete the day’s work. I ensured that this was truly his decision, and he confirmed that it was,” he reflects on that day.
Ray and I made our way to the set together, where we were preparing to film a scene depicting the characters’ celebration of their initial significant achievement, Scorsese recounts. “We informed the crew and the cast, including my father, about the context of the scene. Once we began filming, the sense of unity we shared with Ray, coupled with the collective grief, enhanced the joy of the moment captured on screen: the tears and sadness morphed into laughter and celebration. “I had never encountered anything quite like it, and I have not since.” Following Liotta’s passing in May 2022, he left behind a remarkable legacy of iconic films and memorable performances, along with a surprisingly extensive collection of unreleased work. The first of these, “Cocaine Bear,” is set to premiere on February 24, coinciding with the day he will be honored with a star. As his forthcoming projects continue to build upon his legacy, the Walk of Fame ceremony presents another occasion for the public to honor his remarkable talent.
Scorsese states, “John Cassavetes once expressed a sentiment that I have often reiterated: To create films, one must not be afraid of anyone or anything. That is definitive. Perhaps it can be articulated more effectively as: it is acceptable to experience fear, but do not allow it to govern your actions. An actor must possess a similar degree of courage. They must genuinely reveal their humanity and possess the skill to utilize that vulnerability.”
Individuals must leverage their strengths and embrace the willingness to experiment, face failure, and endure moments of embarrassment repeatedly until they discover their path. Ray possessed these attributes.
PROC. BY Z.T.Z.D.
