He wasn't afraid to confront his co-stars if he felt they weren't putting in the work.
The untimely death of iconic actor Ray Liotta in May 2022 at 67 sent shockwaves through the film industry and left movie enthusiasts mourning the loss of a true talent. With a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades, Liotta’s passing was a poignant reminder of his numerous unforgettable performances. Among his many notable moments was an incident on the set of “The Place Beyond the Pines,” where he gave Bradley Cooper a tough time.
Having made his film debut in 1983’s drama “The Lonely Lady” alongside Pia Zadora, Liotta established himself as a versatile actor over his nearly four-decade-long career. However, it was his portrayal of tough guys that cemented his status in the industry. His most iconic role came in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece, “Goodfellas,” where he brought the character of gangster Henry Hill to life, forever imprinting Liotta’s screen persona.
Embracing his association with the gritty world of gangsters, Liotta took on roles that mirrored his tough-guy image in films like “Wild Hogs” and “The Many Saints of Newark,” or playfully subverted it, as seen in “Muppets Most Wanted.” Though Liotta’s real-life persona likely differed from his on-screen characters, he was known for being candid and direct when it came to his craft.
During the production of “The Place Beyond the Pines,” Liotta had a memorable encounter with Bradley Cooper, particularly in the scene where Liotta’s character, Detective Peter Deluca, confronts Cooper’s character, Avery. Liotta’s agent, Beth Holden-Garland, revealed in an interview with Esquire that director Derek Cianfrance pushed Liotta to elevate the scene’s emotional intensity due to Cooper’s perceived struggle.
Holden-Garland explained in an interview with Esquire, “[Director Derek Cianfrance] pulled Ray aside and goes, ‘I want you to really f****** let loose on him now. Just say whatever you want to say to him. Ray got in Bradley’s face and said, ‘You are the luckiest actor in this town. You suck. Hangover II sucked.’ He just ripped into him like nobody’s business. Then Derek was like, ‘Action!’ And then they got the scene.”
Cianfrance reflected on that confrontation’s impact, describing the raw and humiliating moments as some of the greatest in his life, saying, “Those moments on set that were so emasculating and humiliating. I can say they are some of the greatest moments in my life.” Despite the intensity of the on-set exchange, Liotta and Cooper were able to channel the tension into a powerful scene that resonated with audiences.
Liotta’s untimely passing on May 26, 2022, at the age of 67, shocked the entertainment industry. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, but colleagues, friends, and loved ones took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the actor’s talent and contributions. Notable figures such as Sigourney Weaver, Andy Garcia, Melanie Griffith, and Giancarlo Esposito shared their respect and admiration for Liotta.
However, fans of Liotta can still anticipate seeing him on the screen posthumously. The actor appeared in the 2023 hit film “Cocaine Bear,” showcasing his talents alongside an ensemble cast. Additionally, Liotta had been filming the thriller “Dangerous Waters” in the Dominican Republic when he tragically passed away. Although his time on Earth was cut short, his work will continue to captivate audiences, ensuring his legacy endures.
