Ray Liotta’s Most Memorable Roles in His Own Words
Ray Liotta looks back on his career, sharing which roles he found most significant, from his legendary turn in Goodfellas to unexpected choices like Narc and Muppets Most Wanted.
For many, the first encounter with Ray Liotta came through his portrayal of Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s celebrated gangster epic. The film opens with Hill’s now-iconic line:
“As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a gangster.”
Liotta’s performance was so convincing, it seemed as though he was born for the part. Although he had already appeared on screen, notably in The Lonely Lady seven years prior, this was the role that truly propelled him into the spotlight. It’s little wonder that, when reflecting on his career, Liotta singled out this character as one of his most significant, even if he claimed not to have particular favourites. During a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’, he admitted it was a role that
“stands out”.
Goodfellas and the Breakthrough
Liotta’s determination to land the part of Henry Hill was clear. Scorsese had met with him years before the film’s release, keen to bring him on board. However, the studio was hesitant, as Liotta was not yet a household name and lacked the star power typically sought for leading roles. Despite these obstacles, he secured the part, and his performance was met with widespread acclaim. Reflecting on his career, Liotta couldn’t help but mention this defining moment, writing,
“Obviously Henry in Goodfellas”.
Exploring Other Standout Performances
Beyond the world of organised crime, Liotta held a particular fondness for his role in Narc. In this gritty neo-noir, he played a detective on the hunt for the killer of an undercover officer. Directed by Joe Carnahan, the film was well received, and Liotta’s work earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Male at the Independent Spirit Awards. Despite its modest budget and lack of blockbuster status, he looked back on the project with genuine appreciation, suggesting that sometimes the less flashy productions can be the most rewarding for an actor.
Liotta also expressed pride in The Identical, a musical drama that failed to impress critics and struggled at the box office. The story follows twins separated at birth, with one growing up to become a rock ‘n’ roll star reminiscent of Elvis, and Liotta taking on the role of their father. The film’s poor reception did little to dampen his own sense of achievement in being part of the project, even if its merits remain a bit of a mystery to audiences.
Unexpected Joys and Lasting Memories
Perhaps the most surprising entry on Liotta’s list is Muppets Most Wanted. He described the experience with clear delight, writing,
“Dancing with Kermit and everybody in Muppets Most Wanted, singing and dancing with Danny Trejo and The Muppets is a once-in-a-lifetime thing”.
In the film, he played Big Papa, an inmate, returning to the Muppets universe after a previous cameo in Muppets from Space. While not a major role, the opportunity to share the screen with the beloved puppets was evidently a highlight for him, and one he remembered fondly.