Early Life

Paul Sorvino is an American actor, opera singer, and director. He was born on April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Angela Maria Mattea, was a piano teacher. His father, Ford Sorvino, worked as a foreman.

Education and Early Career

Sorvino graduated from Lafayette High School and went on to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various Off-Broadway productions.

Film Debut and Asthma Advocacy

In 1970, Paul Sorvino made his film debut in “Where’s Poppa?” He went on to appear in several other films throughout the 1970s, including “The Gambler” and “A Touch of Class.” In order to control his severe asthma, Sorvino put a lot of effort into learning different breathing techniques. He published his best-selling book, “How to Become a Former Asthmatic”. Additionally, he established the New York City-based Sorvino Asthma Foundation.

Critical Acclaim for Television Work

In 1976, Sorvino received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Henry Kissinger in the television film “The Missiles of October”. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance.

Later Career in Film and Television

Paul Sorvino continued to work in television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He appeared in films such as “Goodfellas”, “Nixon”, and “Romeo + Juliet”. He also had recurring roles on television shows such as “Law & Order” and “Still Standing”.

Opera Singing and Sculpting

In addition to his acting career, Sorvino is also a trained opera singer. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Juilliard School. He has performed in numerous operas, including “La Bohème” and “The Merry Widow”.
Another not-so-well-known talent of Sorvino’s was his sculpting skills. He specialized in cast bronze. In Scranton, Pennsylvania, his statue honoring the late writer Jason Miller was unveiled in December 2008. Also, he performed a duet of the song “Luna Rossa” on the 2008 album Napulitanata by Neapolitan artist Eddy Napoli.

Directorial Work

Sorvino also directed several films throughout his career, including “The Trouble with Cali” and “Repo! The Genetic Opera”.

Personal Life

Sorvino has been married three times. He was married to Lorraine Davis from 1966 to 1971 and Vanessa Arico from 1980 to 1988. In 1991, he married Dee Dee Benkie, and they have a daughter together, Amanda.

Advocacy and Support for #MeToo Movement

Sorvino has been an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry. He has spoken publicly about his support for the #MeToo movement and has called for greater accountability for those who engage in abusive behavior.

Health Challenges and Passing

In 2018, Sorvino revealed that he had been diagnosed with diabetes and had to undergo surgery to amputate his right leg below the knee.
On July 25, 2022, Sorvino passed away at the age of 83 due to complications related to his diabetes.

Legacy

In his last motion picture, The Ride, which was released posthumously in 2022, Sorvino shared the stage with Dean Cain, D.B. Sweeney, and his wife Dee Dee Sorvino. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, who remembered him as a talented actor and director who had made significant contributions to the worlds of film and opera.