Paul Sorvino, Actor In ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Nixon’ and Others, Dies Aged 83
Sorvino was also known for his appearances on ‘Law & Order’, and in ‘Dick Tracy’, ‘The Rocketeer’ and much more.
Paul Sorvino as Paulie Cicero in 1990's 'Goodfellas.'
Paul Sorvino, a charismatic and characterful actor who brought to life many memorable roles, has died. He was 83.
Paul Anthony Sorvino born April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. While he got his start writing advertising copy, the acting bug bit relatively soon after, and he went on to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
From there, he began a career on the stage, and made his Broadway debut with the musical ‘Bajour’ in 1964. Even as he continued to work successfully in theatre (including a Tony nomination for Jason Miller’s 1972 play ‘That Championship Season’, he also began working in TV and movies.
On the small screen, he was seen in the likes of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, and, more recently, ‘Elementary’ and ‘The Goldbergs’. He was famously on ‘Law & Order' for a couple of seasons.
Paul Sorvino as Henry Kissinger in 1995's 'Nixon.'
Yet it is Sorvino’s movie work that stands out to most people – and most notably, his ability to play mobsters and mafiosos. Goodfellas’, one of his most iconic roles.
In a career that spanned more than 170 credits, he would show up in the likes of ‘Rules Don’t Apply’.
Outside of performing, he turned to sculpting to relax and even compared his acting career to the art. “Acting onstage is like doing sculpture,” he told the Florida Sun-Sentinel in 2005. “Acting in movies is like being an assistant to the sculptor.” He added that he preferred sculpting to stage or screen work because “no one tells you how to finish it.”
“My father the great Paul Sorvino has ed,” actor daughter Mira Sorvinowrote on social media. “My heart is rent asunder – a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. He was the most wonderful father. I love him so much. I’m sending you love in the stars Dad as you ascend.”
“Our hearts are broken,” said wife Dee Dee Sorvino in a statement. “There will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage.”
