Ray Liotta already has a star on the Walk of Fame, inaugurated by his daughter, Taron Egerton and Elizabeth Banks

Ray Liotta died in May of last year at the age of 67 in the Dominican Republic. She was shooting her next movie. An actor’s work has that magic of allowing him to risk death and appear on screen even after tragedy. Liotta had several titles awaiting release when he left us, clearly too soon.

Two of those posthumous projects came together last Friday, February 24, to pay tribute to him the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Elizabeth Banks, director of ‘Vicious Bear,’ and Taron Egerton, who played her son in ‘In Jail with the Devil,’ were godmothers and godfathers at the event, where the actor’s daughter, Karsen, retired the plaque with the star in his father’s name.

The 24-year-old said so “couldn’t be more proud” of his father, and he assures that it was “a one-of-a-kind actor and the best friend, brother and father anyone could wish for. (…) If you have a ray in your life, consider yourself lucky.. I love you very much. (…) Everyone deserves a ray in their life”.

Taron Egerton admitted he was a little scared of Liotta when he met him in ‘Chained with the Devil’, but believes it was thanks to him that he succeeded “best performance” of his so far short career. Of his father in the narrative of him said: “He was that kind of rare artist, who gave his all to his work, all his intensity, his vulnerability and, in the case of our series, all his love. Ray inspired me deeply, he was the epitome of an actor’s actor. And most importantly, he made everyone around him better.”. Banks, who had the privilege of directing him in ‘Vicious Bear,’ assured that “Even though he’s known for playing tough guys, I found him charming and a little mischievous”. He praised the respect shown to him as a director: “He meant the world to me, because if you can handle Henry Hill, you can do whatever you want in this town. I’m so thankful that Ray Liotta has blessed my life because I will take the trust he gave me with me forever.”.

Martin Scorsese’s homage to his Henry Hill

About ‘Goodfellas’, his most memorable role, in addition to the tributes of those present, there was also a very special tribute from Martin Scorsese. Karsen Liotta read a letter from the director of the film, in which she deeply appreciated the opportunity to work with him. “His fearlessness combined with his control and intelligence were what made him so great”. Scorsese explains to Variety that Liotta landed the role of Henry Hill after they met at the Venice Film Festival, one hosting ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ and another ‘The Power of a Lesser.’ Ray Liotta saw Martin Scorsese across the hall, and when he went to greet him he had to deal with security: “He reacted very calmly, calmly and politely. He allowed them to follow the protocols and defused the situation. He looked at me, I looked at him, we signaled to each other that we would talk at a better time and each of us went his own way. (….) That’s when I knew it was going to be Henry Hill”. A character who, according to the director, “I had to endure the whole movie. I had to look like I could walk out of that world, with some innocence, with authority, but mostly I needed charm to counterbalance the violence and horrific behavior”. That chance meeting had been enough to convince him that she had those qualities.

Ray Liotta’s star is number 2,749 and located at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard. ‘Vicious Bear’ opens in Spanish cinemas on March 31st.