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‘Goodfellas‘ 35 Years Later: Where Are the Stars Now?
three and a half decades after Martin Scorsese‘s Goodfellas revolutionized the gangster genre, the film’s iconic cast has navigated evolving careers, personal milestones, and, in some cases, heartbreaking losses.The film, released in September 1990, remains a cinematic touchstone, and its enduring influence prompts a look at the lives of the actors who brought its unforgettable characters to life.
Goodfellas propelled a generation of actors to stardom and cemented Scorsese’s reputation as a master filmmaker. As the film celebrates its 35th anniversary, many of its stars continue to work, while others have retired or passed away, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances. This is a look at the journeys of the Goodfellas cast,from their post-film successes to their current lives.
Robert De Niro as James “jimmy the Gent” Conway
Robert De Niro, already a celebrated actor by the time of Goodfellas, continued his prolific career, earning further acclaim for roles in films like Cape Fear (1991), Casino (1995), and Meet the Parents (2000). More recently, de Niro starred in 2023’s Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Scorsese, and About My Father. Now 80, De Niro remains a commanding presence in Hollywood, consistently taking on challenging and diverse roles.
Ray Liotta as Henry Hill
Ray Liotta’s portrayal of Henry Hill became synonymous with the character, and he continued to work steadily in both film and television. He appeared in Cop Land (1997),hannibal (2001),and Blow (2001).In his later career, Liotta found success in television, with roles in ER and Shades of Blue. Tragically, Liotta died in May 2022, at age 67, while filming Cocaine Bear in the Dominican Republic, leaving behind a significant body of work.
Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito
Joe Pesci, known for his explosive energy and comedic timing, largely stepped away from acting after Goodfellas, though he continued to appear in select projects. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for My Cousin Vinny (1992) and reunited with Scorsese for Casino (1995). After a nearly 20-year hiatus from major roles, Pesci returned to the screen in Martin Scorsese’s The irishman (2019) and appeared in 2023’s Day of the Fight and the Peacock comedy series Bupkis. Pesci shares one daughter, Tiffany, with his ex-wife, Claudia Haro.
Frank Vincent as Billy Batts
Frank Vincent,who got his big break starring alongside De Niro and Pesci in Scorsese’s Raging Bull,was again cast by Scorsese in Goodfellas as Billy Batts,a Gambino family mobster. The New Jersey-born actor was often typecast as a mobster, appearing in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing (1989), Jungle Fever (1991), and Casino (1995).Vincent died in 2017 at age 78 from complications related to open-heart surgery, leaving behind a legacy of memorable wise-guy characters.
