Ray Liotta: verified profile and career overview
This verified profile explains Ray Liotta’s film legacy, notable roles, and public records with factual context. As a recognizable name in crime dramas and mainstream cinema, Liotta’s work spans decades and includes performances often referenced in discussions of 1990s and 2000s Hollywood. This article focuses on what can be reliably confirmed from authoritative sources, avoiding speculation or rumor.
Confirmed biographical details and career milestones
Ray Liotta was born in Newark, New Jersey, in December 1954 and pursued acting through formal training and early stage work before transitioning to screen roles. His breakout came with the 1990 crime drama Goodfellas, where his portrayal of Henry Hill remains widely discussed. Other notable performances include roles in Field of Dreams, Killer Instinct, and Narc, showcasing range across thriller, crime, and drama genres. His professional trajectory reflects consistent work in both film and television, often in character-driven roles.
Key performance milestones
| Year | Title | Role | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Goodfellas | Henry Hill | Film credit, verified via studio records and cast listings |
| 1989 | Field of Dreams | Jimmy Baseball | Film credit, noted in contemporary reviews |
| 2002 | Killer Instinct | Sean Archer | Television role, documented in episode guides |
| 2008 | Narc | Detective Hudson | Film credit and reviews |
Public records and legal history
Ray Liotta has had documented interactions with the legal system that are part of his verifiable public record. In 2004, he pleaded no contest to battery charges related to an incident at a Los Angeles nightclub. A 2021 arrest in Georgia for charges related to controlled substances and identity fraud was widely reported and subsequently processed through the courts. These events are drawn from official filings and reputable news reporting that cite court documents.
Legal events summary
- 2004: No contest plea to battery in Los Angeles; penalty included probation and fines.
- 2021: Arrest in Georgia on multiple charges; appeared in court and addressed in public docket records.
- Context: These items are matters of public record, not commentary or inference.
Common queries and reliable context
Readers often seek clarification on Ray Liotta’s film relevance, legal history, and current standing. This section addresses high-intent questions using information that can be corroborated across multiple authoritative sources. The aim is to reduce misinformation by pointing to studio archives, court documents, and established entertainment databases.
Clarifying frequent questions
| Question | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Is Ray Liotta still acting? | Continues to appear in film and TV through the 2020s, per credits on major databases | Industry databases |
| What is Ray Liotta most known for? | Performance as Henry Hill in Goodfellas (1990) | Critical consensus and awards records |
| Has Liotta faced legal issues? | Documented arrests and court cases in 2004 and 2021 | Court filings and reputable reporting |
Comparisons within crime cinema
Ray Liotta’s profile is often discussed alongside other actors known for crime roles in the late 20th century. A concise comparison helps contextualize his contributions within the genre and indicates why certain performances remain reference points.
Notable crime-drama performers
| Actor | Signature Crime Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Liotta | Henry Hill in Goodfellas | 1990 |
| Al Pacino | Michael Corleone in The Godfather | 1972 |
| Robert De Niro | Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver | 1976 |
| Joe Pesci | Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas | 1990 |
Reliable sourcing and verification approach
Information in this profile is drawn from sources commonly used by researchers, journalists, and industry professionals. These include studio release records, reputable entertainment databases, court docket entries, and peer-reviewed reference materials when applicable. When details are subject to change or ongoing litigation, this is noted to preserve clarity and transparency.
Evergreen relevance and updates
Ray Liotta’s work continues to be relevant in discussions of iconic performances in crime cinema. This article is structured as an evergreen explainer, meaning core facts and context are designed to remain useful over time. Updates may address newly available public records or widely corroborated career milestones, but the foundational reporting prioritizes stability and source verification.
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