Hollywood pays tribute to Ray Liotta as Goodfellas star dies suddenly, aged 67

The Hollywood tribute to Ray Liotta has come like a wave, as emotional friends, colleagues, and fans react in shock to his sudden passing aged 67.

Ray's rep Jennifer Craig confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter, saying the actor died in his sleep while on location. The actor was filming the movie, Dangerous Waters, on location in the Dominican Republic.

The actor is survived by his loving family, fiancé Jacy Nittolo and daughter Karsen Liotta. He's also remembered by Hollywood's elite, who have paid tribute to one of their most highly regarded talents.

Jennifer Lopez engagement to Ben Affleck and upcoming documentary means that it's been a good year in many ways for the star. However, it's clear from the heartfelt Instagram post that she's devastated by her former co-star's death. Jennifer, who starred with him in Shades of Blue said, "the first thing that comes to mind is he was so kind to my children," adding, "Ray was the epitome of a tough guy who was all mushy on the inside."

Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred alongside him in Dominick and Eugene, took to Twitter to share her sadness, saying, “Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear.”

Kevin Costner, who acted with him in Field of Dreams, also tweeted. He said, "Devastated to hear the news of Ray Liotta’s passing. While he leaves an incredible legacy, he’ll always be "Shoeless Joe Jackson” in my heart. What happened that moment in the film was real. God gave us that stunt. Now God has Ray."

Even the Muppets added their condolences to Ray, who starred in two of their films.  They tweeted, "We will never forget the great times we had working with our friend Ray Liotta on Muppets From Space and Muppets Most Wanted. A tough guy on screen, Ray was one of the sweetest, funniest souls we’ve ever known. Rest in Peace, Ray."

Martin Scorsese, who directed Goodfellas, the film for which Ray is best known said in a statement, per BBC News, "He absolutely amazed me, and I'll always be proud of the work we did together on that picture." Adding, "My heart goes out to his loved ones, and it aches for his loss, way too early."

Actors from the legendary gangster film including Lorraine Bracco also remembered the star. Lorraine tweeted, "I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta."

Robert Deniro added,  “I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. He is way too young to have left us.”