The Goodfellas Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025? (35th Anniversary Update)
Few films in cinematic history have left an indelible mark quite like Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece, Goodfellas. Based on the true story of mob associate Henry Hill, this iconic crime drama is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2025, prompting a fresh look at the legendary ensemble cast that brought the world of "wiseguys" to life.
The film’s incredible success was built on the electrifying chemistry between its stars, many of whom were already Scorsese regulars. Today, as of December 2025, the cast's story is one of enduring Hollywood careers, exciting new projects, and, sadly, the loss of some of its most beloved and pivotal members.
The Main Crew: A Goodfellas Cast Biography & Recent Updates
The core cast of Goodfellas delivered career-defining performances, securing the film's place as a cultural touchstone. Here is a look at the careers and current whereabouts of the main players who defined the gangster genre for a generation.
- Ray Liotta (Henry Hill): Born December 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey. Liotta’s portrayal of the film’s protagonist, Henry Hill, remains his most famous role. He continued a prolific career in film and television, including roles in Field of Dreams, Cop Land, and Shades of Blue. Tragically, Liotta passed away in May 2022 at the age of 67 while filming in the Dominican Republic. His final performances continue to be released posthumously.
- Robert De Niro (Jimmy Conway): Born August 17, 1943, in New York City. A two-time Academy Award winner and a frequent collaborator with Scorsese, De Niro played the quiet, calculating mobster Jimmy "The Gent" Conway (based on the real-life James Burke). He remains one of Hollywood's most active and respected actors.
- Joe Pesci (Tommy DeVito): Born February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey. Pesci won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his terrifyingly volatile performance as Tommy DeVito (based on Thomas DeSimone). Known for his collaborations with De Niro and Scorsese, Pesci famously semi-retired from acting in the late 1990s but has returned for select high-profile projects.
- Paul Sorvino (Paulie Cicero): Born April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. Sorvino played the calm, powerful mob boss Paulie Cicero (based on Paul Vario). Beyond his iconic mob roles, he was a celebrated opera singer and sculptor. Sorvino passed away in July 2022 at the age of 83.
- Lorraine Bracco (Karen Hill): Born October 2, 1954, in Bay Ridge, New York. Bracco earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Henry Hill's strong-willed wife, Karen Hill. She is also widely known for her Emmy-nominated role as Dr. Jennifer Melfi on The Sopranos.
The Surviving Trio: De Niro, Pesci, and Bracco’s Latest Projects (2024-2025)
Three and a half decades later, the surviving main cast members continue to headline major Hollywood productions, proving their enduring appeal and talent. The year 2025, marking the film's 35th anniversary, is particularly busy for the trio.
Robert De Niro: Back in the Mob World
Robert De Niro's career shows no signs of slowing down. After his acclaimed role in Killers of the Flower Moon, De Niro is set to return to the gangster genre that made him famous.
His next major film is The Alto Knights, a biographical crime drama set for release in 2025. In a unique twist, De Niro will play two different mob bosses: Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The film is directed by Barry Levinson and based on a script by Nicholas Pileggi, the same author whose book Wiseguy was adapted into Goodfellas. This reunion of talent is highly anticipated by fans of the genre.
Joe Pesci: The Return of a Legend
Joe Pesci, known for his selective choice of roles after his semi-retirement, has recently taken on new projects. In 2024, he starred in the boxing drama Day of the Fight, a film directed by Jack Huston. This role showcases Pesci's ability to command the screen even in a quieter, more dramatic setting.
Pesci’s sporadic appearances, often reuniting with Scorsese and De Niro in films like The Irishman, only heighten the excitement around his rare performances. His presence in any film is a guarantee of intensity and unforgettable character work.
Lorraine Bracco: Comedy and Drama on the Big Screen
Lorraine Bracco has maintained a steady and varied career in both film and television. Fans will be excited to see her in the upcoming 2025 comedy-drama, Nonnas, where she co-stars in a story about a man who opens a restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers.
She also appeared in the 2024 film Monster Summer. Bracco’s work continues to highlight her versatility, moving seamlessly from the high-stakes drama of the mob world to lighter, character-driven projects.
Remembering the Fallen: Goodfellas Cast Members We’ve Lost
The 35th Anniversary is also a moment for reflection on the incredible talent from the cast who have passed away, many of whom were renowned for their authentic portrayals of mob life. Their contributions are a major part of the film’s legacy.
- Ray Liotta (Henry Hill): His sudden passing in 2022 was a shock to the industry. His performance as Henry Hill, chronicling the rise and fall of a mobster, is considered one of the greatest in cinema history.
- Paul Sorvino (Paulie Cicero): Also passing away in 2022, Sorvino’s quiet authority as Paulie Cicero was the perfect counterpoint to the volatility of Liotta and Pesci.
- Frank Vincent (Billy Batts): Vincent, who played the ill-fated made man Billy Batts, was famous for his on-screen rivalries with Joe Pesci in several Scorsese films. He died in 2017.
- Chuck Low (Morrie Kessler): The actor who played the memorable character Morrie Kessler, known for his toupee and being involved in the Lufthansa heist, passed away in 2017.
- Frank DiLeo (Tuddy Cicero): Best known as Michael Jackson's manager, DiLeo played Paulie's brother, Tuddy, who famously locks Henry in the freezer. He passed away in 2011.
- Supporting Cast Entities: Other notable cast members who have passed include Gina Mastrogiacomo (Janice Rossi), Suzanne Shepherd (Karen’s Mother), and the director’s parents, Catherine and Charles Scorsese, who played Tommy's mother and a customer, respectively.
The Goodfellas Legacy: Trivia, LSI, and Topical Authority
The film’s influence extends far beyond its main stars, touching on a host of entities that solidify its topical authority in the crime genre. Many of the most memorable scenes involve actors who were real-life mob associates or figures from the criminal underworld, giving the film an unparalleled sense of authenticity.
The Lufthansa Heist, a key plot point, remains one of the largest cash robberies in U.S. history. The screenplay, co-written by Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi, was based on Pileggi's non-fiction book, Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family.
Even minor characters became iconic. Michael Imperioli, who later starred in The Sopranos, had a memorable early role as Spider, the young waiter shot by Tommy DeVito. Samuel L. Jackson also appeared as Stacks Edwards, the getaway driver for the Lufthansa job who fails to dispose of the van.
As the 35th anniversary approaches in 2025, the legacy of Goodfellas remains a testament to Martin Scorsese's direction, the chillingly effective script, and the unforgettable performances of its cast. The film continues to be celebrated through 4K screenings and retrospectives, ensuring that the story of Henry Hill and his crew will be told for generations to come.
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