Paul Sorvino

Biography

Paul Sorvino (1939–2022) was an acclaimed American actor, director, and opera singer, whose commanding presence and versatile talent left an indelible mark on Hollywood and Broadway. Best known for his roles as no-nonsense authority figures, both on the right and wrong side of the law, Sorvino's deep baritone voice and imposing physicality made him a memorable force on screen.

Early Life and Artistic Aspirations:

Born Paul Anthony Sorvino on April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York City, he was raised in the Bensonhurst section. His mother was a piano teacher, and his father worked as a foreman in a robe factory. Sorvino initially harbored dreams of becoming an opera singer, a passion he pursued for 18 years, taking extensive voice lessons. He also studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he began to shift his focus towards acting.

Broadway Success and Film Breakthrough:

Sorvino made his Broadway debut in the 1964 musical Bajour. Six years later, he made his film debut in Carl Reiner's comedy Where's Poppa? (1970). However, it was his critically acclaimed performance as Phil Romano in Jason Miller's 1972 Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play That Championship Season that truly launched his career. He would later reprise this role in the 1982 film adaptation.

Iconic Roles in Film and Television:

Throughout his five-decade career, Sorvino became a familiar face in a wide range of film and television productions. Some of his most iconic and memorable roles include:

• Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas (1990): This portrayal of the stoic and menacing Lucchese crime family caporegime in Martin Scorsese's mob masterpiece is arguably his most famous. Despite initial reservations about the film, Sorvino's performance became a cinematic touchstone.
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• Sergeant Phil Cerreta in Law & Order (1991-1992): He joined the popular NBC series in its second season as a detective, bringing gravitas and a seasoned presence to the police procedural. He eventually left due to the demanding schedule and a desire to pursue other artistic avenues.
• Henry Kissinger in Nixon (1995): In Oliver Stone's biographical drama, Sorvino delivered a powerful and nuanced performance as the controversial Secretary of State.
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• Fulgencio Capulet in Romeo + Juliet (1996): He brought a commanding, operatic presence to Baz Luhrmann's modernized Shakespeare adaptation.
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• Eddie Valentine in The Rocketeer (1991) and Tony Morolto in The Firm (1993): Further showcase his ability to embody compelling mob figures.

Sorvino also appeared in films such as The Day of the Dolphin (1973), Cruising (1980) alongside Al Pacino, Reds (1981), Dick Tracy (1990), The Cooler (2003), and numerous independent films and TV movies. He even made guest appearances on popular TV shows like Moonlighting and The Goldbergs.

Beyond Acting:

Sorvino was truly a Renaissance man. In addition to his acting career and lifelong passion for opera (he performed in operas and often incorporated singing into his roles), he was also an accomplished sculptor, specializing in cast bronze, and an author. A lifelong sufferer of severe asthma, he founded the Paul Sorvino Asthma Foundation to help build asthma centers for children and adults.

Personal Life and Legacy:

Paul Sorvino was married three times and was the proud father of three children from his first marriage, including Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino, who followed in his footsteps into acting. He passed away on July 25, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 83, due to natural causes.

Paul Sorvino's enduring legacy is that of a powerful and versatile performer who brought depth and authenticity to every role he undertook, leaving an unforgettable impact on the landscape of American cinema and television.