Paul Sorvino, a name synonymous with versatility and talent, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Sorvino’s career spanned over five decades, showcasing his prowess as an actor, opera singer, businessman, writer, and sculptor. His journey, filled with personal and professional milestones, continues to resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike.
Table of Contents
Family Background and Early Life
Paul Anthony Sorvino was born to Angela Maria Mattea, a homemaker and piano teacher, and Ford Sorvino, an Italian immigrant who worked in a robe factory. Growing up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Paul was surrounded by a loving family that nurtured his artistic inclinations. His mother, in particular, played a significant role in shaping his early love for the arts, especially music and acting.
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Marriages and Children
Paul Sorvino’s personal life was as eventful as his professional one. He was married three times. His first marriage was to Lorraine Davis, a therapist, in 1966. The couple had three children: Mira, Michael, and Amanda. Mira Sorvino, the eldest, followed in her father’s footsteps and became an accomplished actress, winning an Academy Award for her role in “Mighty Aphrodite.” Michael Sorvino pursued a career in acting and voice-over work, while Amanda Sorvino focused on writing and animal rights activism.
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Paul and Lorraine divorced in 1988. Sorvino’s second marriage was to Vanessa Arico in 1991, but this union also ended in divorce in 1996. In 2014, Sorvino married Dee Dee Benkie, a political pundit and former aide to President George W. Bush. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and admiration, and they remained together until Paul’s passing.
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A Storied Career
Paul Sorvino’s career began in theater, where he showcased his remarkable range as an actor. He made his Broadway debut in the 1964 musical “Bajour” and continued to work in theater throughout his career. His transition to film and television was seamless, and he quickly became known for his ability to embody a wide variety of characters.
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Sorvino’s breakout role came in 1972 with the film “The Panic in Needle Park,” where he starred alongside Al Pacino. He continued to gain acclaim with roles in movies such as “A Touch of Class” (1973), “Bloodbrothers” (1978), and “Cruising” (1980). However, it was his portrayal of Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” (1990) that cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. His performance as the calm yet ruthless mob boss remains one of the most iconic in cinema history.
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In 1990, Sorvino was cast as the caporegime Paul Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas,” which has become one of his most notable roles. One of his prominent television roles came soon after, in 1991, when he got the part of Sergeant Phil Cerreta in the popular television series “Law & Order.” He remained on the show for 29 episodes. However, he left the show as the exhausting film schedule began to tire him, and he was primarily interested in preserving his vocal cords to be able to sing opera, one of his greatest hobbies and passions.
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In 1993, he had a role in a “Perry Mason” television movie and also appeared in “Moonlighting.” In 1995, he played Henry Kissinger in the Oliver Stone film “Nixon.” He again played the role of a mobster in “The Rocketeer” and “The Firm.”
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In 1998, Sorvino lent his voice to the series “The Big House” on The History Channel and served as narrator for the show. He also voiced the character of Mr. Scheck, the primary antagonist in “Hey Arnold!: The Movie.” In 2000, he landed the role of Frank Delucca in the drama “That’s Life” and remained on the show until 2002. He worked with his daughter, Mira, in the film “The Trouble with Cali,” which he both directed and starred in.
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In 2008, he had a role in “Repo! The Genetic Opera” and then landed a role in “The Devil’s Carnival,” both directed by Darren Lynn Bousman.
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In addition to his work in front of the camera, Sorvino was also an accomplished opera singer. He performed in numerous productions and was known for his beautiful baritone voice. His passion for music was a constant throughout his life, and he often said that singing was his first love.
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Net Worth
Paul Sorvino’s long and varied career earned him not only fame but also a substantial fortune. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth was accumulated through his numerous film and television roles, as well as his work in theater and music. Sorvino was also a successful businessman, with ventures that included a line of pasta sauces and a vineyard.
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Death and Legacy
Paul Sorvino passed away on July 25, 2022, at the age of 83. His death was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, as he left behind a legacy of remarkable performances and artistic achievements. Fans and colleagues alike mourned his passing, remembering him not only for his talent but also for his kindness and generosity.
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In reflecting on his life, Sorvino once said, “I have lived a full life, and I am grateful for all the experiences, both good and bad, that have shaped me into who I am.” His legacy lives on through his children, his work, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.
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Paul Sorvino’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His journey from a young boy in Brooklyn to a celebrated actor and artist is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. As we remember Paul Sorvino, we celebrate not only his remarkable career but also the man behind the legend, whose warmth, generosity, and love for his family and art continue to inspire.
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Paul Sorvino: Key Information Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Anthony Sorvino |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Date of Death | July 25, 2022 |
| Age at Death | 83 years |
| Occupation | Actor, Opera Singer, Businessman, Writer, Sculptor |
| Notable Roles | Paulie Cicero in “Goodfellas” (1990), Sgt. Phil Cerreta in “Law & Order” (1991-1992), Henry Kissinger in “Nixon” (1995) |
| Marriages Ex-Wives/Wife | 1. Lorraine Davis (1966-1988) 2. Vanessa Arico (1991-1996) 3. Dee Dee Benkie (2014 until his death) |
| Children | Mira Sorvino (Actress) Michael Sorvino (Actor/Voice-over Artist) Amanda Sorvino (Writer/Animal Rights Activist) |
| Career Highlights | Broadway debut in “Bajour” (1964) “The Panic in Needle Park” (1972) “A Touch of Class” (1973) “Bloodbrothers” (1978) |
| Voice Work | Narrator for “The Big House” (1998) Mr. Scheck in “Hey Arnold!: The Movie” (2002) |
| Directing | Directed and starred in “The Trouble with Cali” alongside daughter Mira Sorvino |
| Opera | Performed in numerous opera productions, known for his baritone voice |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million at the time of his death |
| Business Ventures | Pasta sauce line Vineyard |
| Other Interests | Sculpting, music |
FAQs
What were Paul Sorvino’s most notable roles?
Paul Sorvino is best known for his role as Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” (1990). He also gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Sergeant Phil Cerreta on the television series “Law & Order” (1991-1992), Henry Kissinger in Oliver Stone’s “Nixon” (1995), and roles in films such as “The Rocketeer,” “The Firm,” “Repo! The Genetic Opera,” and “The Devil’s Carnival.”
Who were Paul Sorvino’s wives, and how many children did he have?
Paul Sorvino was married three times. His first marriage was to Lorraine Davis, with whom he had three children: Mira, Michael, and Amanda. His second marriage was to Vanessa Arico, and his third marriage was to Dee Dee Benkie. His daughter Mira Sorvino is an Academy Award-winning actress, while his other children, Michael and Amanda, have also pursued careers in the arts.
What was Paul Sorvino’s net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death in 2022, Paul Sorvino’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth was accumulated through his extensive career in film, television, theater, music, and various business ventures.
When and how did Paul Sorvino pass away?
Paul Sorvino passed away on July 25, 2022, at the age of 83. While specific details about the cause of his death were not widely publicized, his passing marked the end of a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
What were some of Paul Sorvino’s other interests and hobbies?
Apart from acting, Paul Sorvino was an accomplished opera singer with a beautiful baritone voice. He had a deep passion for music and performed in numerous opera productions. Additionally, Sorvino was a talented sculptor and businessman, with ventures including a line of pasta sauces and a vineyard. His diverse interests showcased his multifaceted talents and love for the arts.
