Ray Liotta, the legendary actor of Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, died on May 26 while filming Dangerous Waters. Before his death, the actor was able to finish the Apple TV + series Blackbird Boxing, in which he plays the father of the main character played by Taron Egerton.
The latter confided in AlloCiné about their collaboration. “I have many pleasant memories on the flight. He was someone who was always joking and also had a sense of humor about himself. It was a pleasure to work with someone like him, professional and so generous“, this is how the interpreter of the convict, Jimmy Keane, recalled.
And to clarify:I think he was perfect for the role with his confident masculinity. Masculinity, which is also at the heart of this series and which is considered for its abuse. I have definitely learned to focus better and use the present moment thanks to Ray. I had a unique chance to work with him and get paid more for it.“
Dennis Lehane, the creator of the series, recalled the beginning of the comedian’s career: “I always remember being shocked the first time I saw Ray Liotta on screen in Jonathan Demme’s Dangerous All Reports.
It was 1986 and I was 20 years old. The first part of the film is a comedy. But halfway through the movie, when Ray shows up, the movie takes a big turn and goes ultra black. I loved his electric character, with a wounded child at heart.“Then let’s continue:
As I continued to watch Ray Liotta’s films, I realized that when he plays a villain, you can feel the goodness in him. And when he plays a beautiful role, you can feel the danger he inspires.
“In The End of the Dream with Kevin Costner, one might even think he could kill Costner with a baseball; It’s still a good role. I also loved Ray as Johnny Depp’s father in Blow. He’s playing the good guy there, and that’s what got me interested in playing Big Jimmy, who’s a good guy but can explode at any time.“, he added.
The role of the loving father, which Dennis Lehin absolutely wanted to entrust to the late actor. “Ray was perfect for the role, I really wrote for him. Besides, it was the only role that anyone tried to challenge. In the end he accepted my offer and it was a pleasure to work with him. He was so professional with a great sense of improvisation– he said before ending with a sad anecdote:
“We spoke again three weeks before his death. When I thought about the idea of giving him another role, he told me: “Don’t forget to give me a bigger role this time!”. That was our last exchange.“
To see Ray Liotta in his latest series, tune in to Apple TV+ every Friday.
Source: allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
