Paul Sorvino, known for roles in Goodfellas and Law & Order, dies aged 83
Paul Sorvino wanted to become an opera singer before he turned to acting. (Reuters: Phil McCarten)
Actor Paul Sorvino, most famous for his role as gangster Paulie Cicero in classic mob movie Goodfellas, has died at the age of 83.
Key points:
- Paul Sorvino worked in film and television for more than 50 years
- He died at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, of natural causes
- He appeared in tv shows, movies and on Broadway
Sorvino, also known for portraying police sergeant Phil Cerretta on TV series Law & Order in the 1990s, worked in film and television for more than 50 years.
His wife Dee Dee Sorvino and daughter Mira Sorvino — an Oscar-winning actor — both shared posts about his death on Twitter.
Sorvino died at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, of natural causes, a spokesperson for the actor confirmed.
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Sorvino studied music and originally wanted to become an opera singer before he turned to acting.
His long career included roles in Broadway play That Championship Season — which saw him nominated for a Tony — and a 1982 film adaptation.
Other movie credits included Dick Tracy, Nixon, Reds, and Baz Lurhmann's Romeo + Juliet.
Sorvino had three children, including Mira Sorvino who won the best supporting actress Oscar for Mighty Aphrodite in 1996.
Cicero is the latest in a string of actors who appeared in classic mobster films and series to die recently. Others include Goodfellas co-star Ray Liotta, Godfather star James Cann and Sopranos actor Tony Sirico.
Reuters