Paul Sorvino, an influential actor whose roles ranged from mob boss in "Goodfellas" to early stints in the long-running police drama "Law & Order," has died, according to his publicist, Roger Neal. He was 83 years old.
Sorvino died of natural causes on Monday, surrounded by his wife Dee Dee. "Our hearts are broken, there will never be another Paul Sorvino," Dee Dee Sorvino said in a statement released through Neal.
Sorvino, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, got a Tony nomination for his role in "That Championship Season" (which he reprised in the film version) and appeared in a number of films, including portraying Henry Kissinger in "Nixon," "Dick Tracy," "Reds," and "The Rocketeer."
Before making his Broadway debut in the mid-1960s, Sorvino attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and considered becoming an opera singer. His first film was the comedy "Where's Poppa," followed by "The Panic in Needle Park," in which he co-starred with Al Pacino.
Sorvino is perhaps best known for his role as Paul Cicero in Martin Scorsese "Goodfellas," as the mobster who, even in prison, maintained a passion for cooking and fine cuisine, thinly slicing garlic with a razor blade. (In later years, Sorvino and his wife co-wrote the book "Pinot, Pasta, and Parties.")
The actor joined "Law & Order" as one of the detectives but quickly left due to the limited range of the material.
Sorvino wife, three children, including actress Mira Sorvino, and five grandchildren survive him.
On Monday, Mira Sorvino wrote on Twitter, "My heart is shattered; a life of love, joy, and wisdom with him is over. He was an incredible father. I adore him to pieces. As you ascend, I'm sending you love in the stars, Dad."
------ END OF ARTICLE ------
EDITOR'S PICK
Also Read: ‘Black Panther 2’ First Trailer Unveils
Also Read: John Wick Chapter 4 teaser: Fans say it's been worth the wait
Also Read: American Horror Stories Season 2 Episode 1 Ending