Ray Liotta

Intense is the word for 'Ray Liotta' (qv). He specializes in psychopathic characters who hide behind a cultivated charm. Even in his nice-guy roles in _Field of Dreams (1989)_ (qv) and _Operation Dumbo Drop (1995)_ (qv), you get the impression that something is smoldering inside of him. Liotta maintains a steady stream of work, completing multiple projects per year.Liotta was born in Newark, New Jersey, and was adopted by Mary (Edgar), a township clerk, and Alfred Liotta, an auto parts store owner. He studied acting at the University of Miami, where he became friends with 'Steven Bauer' (qv) (_Scarface (1983)_ (qv), _Thief of Hearts (1984)_ (qv)). He spent his first years acting in TV: _Another World (1964)_ (qv), a TV movie and several short-lived series. He broke into movies with the black comedy _Something Wild (1986)_ (qv), which garnered him rave reviews. Originally unable to get a reading, he was recommended for the part by 'Melanie Griffith' (qv) (then married to Bauer). After the success _Something Wild (1986)_ (qv), he received more offers in the "psycho" vein, but refused them to avoid being typecast. Instead, he made "little movies" like _Dominick and Eugene (1988)_ (qv), which earned him standing as an actor's actor, and _Field of Dreams (1989)_ (qv), whose success still surprises him. When he heard that 'Martin Scorsese' (qv) was casting _Goodfellas (1990)_ (qv), he lobbied hard for the part of 'Henry Hill' (qv). The film's huge success brought him wide popularity and enabled him to get star billing in future films, such as _Article 99 (1992)_ (qv), _Unlawful Entry (1992)_ (qv), and _Unforgettable (1996)_ (qv).::Ray Hamel/Zaux and Anne-Marie Cowsill