Ray Liotta’s time on NBC’s crime drama Shades of Blue was an unpleasant one. The late and legendary actor portrayed corrupt NYPD Lieutenant Matt Wozniak on the three-season series, starring opposite Jennifer Lopez. In Liotta’s last interview with Deadline before his death, the Field of Dreams star discussed his lengthy and successful career. When asked about Shades of Blue, Liotta admitted it was pretty tough. Only he used language that was a bit more colorful.
“That was later on, but to go and do it with Jennifer, that was f—ing tough,” Liotta shared. “They wanted me because I had legitimacy with what they wanted, for the thing to be edgy. With Jennifer… That’s a big question mark. I really like her. She was really good in it, but it’s not ideal. The part was so good; I really had to go after the producers and say, ‘You guys have got to start writing for me or just get me the f— out of here. I’m not her valet.’ This was a really interesting character. I wasn’t saying, ‘Give me, Ray, more screen time.’ It was just a really good character to explore: a bisexual cop who’s married, with an estranged son, who does bad things but good things.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
Liotta and Lopez worked together a lot on , as his character considered her character, corrupt NYPD Detective Harlee Santos, like a daughter. Although both have obviously proven they have what it takes to be on a series that demanding, emotionally and physically, it seems like it wasn’t all that great. The duo may have been unexpected, but at least it didn’t take away from still focusing on the characters separately. Though it may have taken them some time to really put the focus on Wozniak.
At least Shades of Blue was still a special project for Ray Liotta, and he was able to explore Wozniak’s background more. It was a challenge being on the series, both on and off camera, it sounds like. This just proves the type of actor that Liotta was, and he wasn’t afraid to be stuck with a challenge. While it may not have been one of most memorable roles, it was one of his last TV roles before his death, which makes it pretty special. Unfortunately, the series isn’t available to stream anywhere but can be purchased on sites such as Apple TV, YouTube, and Prime.
Related Posts
-
"Forgive Us Our Trespasses" – Danny and Baez team up with Danny's old partner, Jackie Curatola (Jennifer Esposito), to find a copycat killer emulating murders from a previous case. Also, Frank and Mayor Chase (Dylan Walsh) battle over how best to handle the city's rising homeless population; and Jamie, Eddie and Erin team up to build evidence against a previously released man who they believe is again committing criminal assault, on the 13th season finale of BLUE BLOODS, Friday, May 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*. Jennifer Esposito, Stacy Keach, Dylan Walsh, Sami Gayle, Peter Hermann and Tony Terraciano guest star. Pictured: Jennifer Esposito as Jackie Curatola. Photo: John Paul Filo/CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
"Irish Exits" – Frank worries about his longtime friend Lenny Ross (Treat Williams) when he suspects the former officer is hiding his true reason for returning to the city. Also, Danny and Baez investigate when Baez and her daughter are targeted by a criminal Baez once put away; Eddie gives her partner, Badillo, relationship advice when his ex-girlfriend is physically attacked; and Anthony is sucked into the inner workings of an underground crime ring when his chaotic cousin, Joey, begs him for a favor, on BLUE BLOODS, Friday, May 12 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*. Treat Williams returns as Lenny Ross, Frank's longtime friend. Pictured: Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan. Photo: CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab available.
