The stunning news of the death of megastar Ray Liotta on May 26 came more than three weeks ago, yet the outpouring of grief in the press and on social media continues unabated.
The label “beloved” has been appended to the names of many stars. But few deserved it more than Liotta. He radiated a deep sense of authenticity that enabled him to achieve what every actor aspires to: acting that didn’t seem like acting. His characters always seemed profoundly real.
He’s being lauded, properly, for the depth and breadth of his artistry in such blockbuster films as “Field of Dreams,” “Something Wild,” and, most memorable of all, Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” (in which he portrayed mobster Henry Hill).
Soap fans remember Liotta as teenager Joey Perrini on NBC’s “Another World.” It was his debut acting job, lasting from 1978 to 1981. Joey was an everyday guy, the son of widowed Rose Perrini (played by Kathleen Widdoes), the brother of Angie Perrini (played by Maeve Kincaid) and a friend of Jamie Frame (played by Richard Bekins).
Years later, in an appearance on the CNN talk show “Larry King Live,” he told King that he was only six months out of college when he landed the the role on “Another World.”
“I played the nicest character in the world, Joey Perrini,” he said. “I did that until I was 25.”
In 1981, I was personally treated to a sample of young Liotta’s off-screen charm. Back then, I was editor in chief of Afternoon TV magazine. Liotta came to my office for an interview and was later photographed for a cover.
He told me how much he loved being on “Another World” and playing “a Bay City boy” like Joey. I could understand why so many of the girls who watched show went nuts for him. He wasn’t trying to duplicate the slick appeal of a Bobby Darin. He was a natural.
Following his death, I wasn’t surprised to read in the New York Daily News that Jennifer Lopez, his costar on the NBC action series “Shades of Blue,” had a similar reaction.
“He was my partner in crime on the show,” she said. But off the show, “he was so kind to my children, the epitome of a tough guy who is all mushy on the inside. That’s what made him such a compelling actor to watch.”
In addition, soap fans can be proud of yet another superstar who got his start on soaps. Ray Liotta is up there in a pantheon that includes Tom Selleck, Kevin Bacon, Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones and Julianne Moore.
As he told me in our interview, “Being on a soap is such a great way to hone one’s craft.”
And hone it he did. What stood out for those who met him was what a nice guy he was off the job. To Marlena, he will always be “Sweet Ray.”
Home Again!
Warmest greetings, cher friends. And apologies for the gap in posting new columns.
My husband, Moose Goodfellow, and our beautiful beagle boy, Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe, have swapped our country retreat for a new manse back in New York City, all the better to be closer to our roots.
Marlena is particularly happy to be back at her old stand, sharing news and views about what we all love – the great American soap opera. She expects to be writing more regularly, beginning with a discussion later this week of the Daytime Emmy nominations, in time for the June 24 ceremony, which will be telecast on CBS. She would also like to share your comments. Marlena loves hearing from her readers.
Welcome back in more ways than one! And thank you for sharing your personal memories of Ray Liotta. What an incredible artist and soul…gone too soon. Looking forward to your Daytime Emmy Awards column!
Esther, thank you so much! If only the old soap press gang could get together to watch the show live.
GOOD MORNING, MA CHERE MARLENA. I WAS AT THE VA HOSPITAL YESTERDAY. TODAY, I STARTED MY DAY JUST RIGHT WITH YOUR LOVELY AND LOVING TRIBUTE TO MR. LIOTTA. MANY THANKS FOR SHARING IT WITH US. LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE MARLENA COLUMS. MUCH LOVE, ONCLE DAVIDE.
Another great column Marlena! Ray was someone who had “it”… no matter who was writing the show, he stood out. He made excellent material shine & he made weak writing stronger with his natural abilities. What I always liked was that he never looked down on his soap career. I remember Victoria Wyndham once said in a 1990s interview that she was walking along and she heard, “Wyndham!”… it was Ray and he was so happy to see her to catch up. Just a classy guy!
Thanks so much Mike. It’s always fun to watch a future star being born on soaps. And over the decades we’ve seen so many!
It’s always lovely to see a Marlena post!
I listed to a bit of a podcast, hosted by Marc Maron, with Ray that was shared on social media around the time of his passing. He spoke briefly about his soap opera start and had complimentary things to say – including praise for Kathleen Widdoes.
Thank you so much Patrick.
Thanks Marlena for bringing back some wonderful memories! I loved AW’s Joey and Eileen even more than I loved GH’s Scotty and Laura-whom you will remember I staunchly defended over the Luke and Laura pairing. While GH’s Laura and Scotty were saddled with over the top angst, Joey and Elieen played a touching understated couple, I will never forgive the powers-that-be for killing Eileen off. Thanks again Marlena. Ray Liotta will be missed!
Marlena says: Thanks for writing Nicholas! I see you were a big “Another World” fan as I was. And I agree Joey and Eileen were great together. What a shock it was when they killed her off. And dear Ray was terrific in this tragic story as always.