Rockstar Games has paid tribute to actor Ray Liotta after his sudden passing aged 67.
The iconic Goodfellas actor died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic where he was filming Dangerous Waters, Deadline reports.
While he was a star of the silver screen, gamers know Liotta as the voice of Tommy Vercetti, the memorable protagonist from 2002’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
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Vercetti was the first protagonist in the gaming franchise to have full dialogue and became an instant hit with fans thanks to his personality, aesthetic and general tomfoolery.
In light of his death, Rockstar Games shared a touching tribute to the actor on Twitter as it remembered his contributions to the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
Sharing a photo of his virtual character, the gaming company wrote: "Rest In Peace Ray Liotta, legendary actor and the iconic voice of Tommy Vercetti."
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Liotta’s prestigious career began with his role as a crazy ex in 1986’s Something Wild, but he will likely be best remembered for his leading role in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 crime classic Goodfellas.
More recent work included roles in The Many Saints of Newark, Marriage Story and No Sudden Move.
Liotta revealed in a December 2020 Instagram post that he and partner Jacy Nittolo were set to tie the knot.
He gushed at the time: “Christmas wishes do come true. I asked the love of my life to marry me, and thank God she said yes!”
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Liotta was previously married to actress Michelle Grace from 1997 to 2004 and the two share daughter Karsen, 23.
A source told PEOPLE magazine that foul play is not suspected in his death and his fiancée Jacy was with him when he died.
Despite being known for his tough-guy roles, Liotta told the outlet last year that he is ‘nothing’ like the characters he portrays on screen.
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“I have never been in a fight at all, except for during sports, and that's just pushing and goofy kid stuff,” the New Jersey native said.
Liotta also spoke candidly about learning he had been given up for adoption, saying: “At first, I didn't understand how a parent could give up a child.”
He added: "So I had that kind of energy of just being like, that's f****d up. And then when I finally met my birth mom in my forties, by then, I wasn't as angry about it. It's just another journey."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: News, Film and TV, Gaming
