Ray Liotta’s cause of death has been revealed almost a year after the Goodfellas actor passed away.
The actor, who was best-known for his starring role in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 crime classic, died in his sleep on May26, 2022 when he was shooting a new film in the Dominican Republic.
The star, who was 67 when he died, was shooting movie Dangerous Waters.
Officials have now confirmed Liotta’s cause of death was due to heart and respiratory system issues.
According to TMZ, who obtained official documents, Liotta’s death was categorized as “natural and non-violent”, with respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema - fluid in his lungs - and acute heart failure cited as causes of death.
With more than 60 feature films to his credit, the actor excelled at diverse and challenging roles in both comedy and drama.
He found fame playing ex-con Ray Sinclair in the 1986 black comedy Something Wild, going on to star as Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field Of Dreams (1989), before his role in Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic.
In February, he was remembered as an “actor of rare calibre” as he was posthumously honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Goodfellas actor was praised for his “unparalleled capacity for vulnerability” and “charm and mischievousness” at the ceremony in Los Angeles.
The actor’s daughter, Karsen Liotta, said she was “so touched” to be accepting the award on her father’s behalf, telling audiences “if you have a Ray in your life, you’re lucky”.
“I’m so touched to be accepting this honour on behalf of my dad,” she said.
“I couldn’t be more proud of him. He was a one-of-a-kind actor, and the best friend, brother and father anyone could ask for. I lucked out with you.
“If you have a Ray in your life, you’re lucky. Thank you for your work, and the imprint you left on me and all of those who love you.
“Everyone deserves a Ray in their life.”
