The duo tied the knot in 1966 but ended up getting a divorce in 1988. She also has a brother named Michael Sorvino, an actor. I had confidence in my ability, and I was angry as hell when other people didnt recognize it.. 2023 Getty Images. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. "You all are so sweet, so kind!!!!" I felt that was my mother telling me she is the one," he has said about his wife. His publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed the death, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. No specific cause was given, but Mr. Neal said that Mr. Sorvino had dealt with health issues over the past few years., Mr. Sorvino was the father of Mira Sorvino, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for Woody Allens Mighty Aphrodite (1995). While talking to the news outlet, she said: As per IMDb, Michael voiced the character of Tommy in the video game Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven. Paul Anthony Sorvino (April 13, 1939 - July 25, 2022) was an American actor, opera singer, businessman, writer, and sculptor. Press Esc to cancel. Four months later, Mr. Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison. As Mattea Angel Backus and Lucia Backus, his grandchildren are also renowned. Tall, dark and imposing American actor Paul Sorvino made a solid career of portraying authority figures.He was born in Brooklyn, New York City. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. There will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage," Dee Dee said in the release. Dee Dee Benkie And Paul Sorvino Net Worth 2022 An enthusiastic opera singer, painter, sculptor and cook. At the ceremony, he performed the Neapolitan song "Torna a Surriento" with tenor, Was nominated for Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic) for, Ranked #10 on Tropopkin's Top 25 Most Intriguing People [Issue #100]. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Celebrity Family Feud. The actor is also survived by several grandchildren, including four children whom Mira shares with her husband, actor Christopher Backus: Mattea, 17, Johnny, 16, Holden, 13, and Lucia, 10. She was the love of my life. Market data provided by Factset. The film role that first won him major attention was as Joseph Bolognas grouchy Italian American father in Made for Each Other (1971). Sorvino began his career in advertising but entered the Hollywood scene after attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. His personal life sometimes reinforced his tough-guy image. "It leaves you unmoored, thrusts you into a position you were unprepared for, without the counsel and love of those you valued most ". Mattea Angel Backus, Johnny Christopher King Backus, Lucia Backus, and Holden Paul Terry Backus are the four grandchildren of Paul. Im sending you love in the stars Dad as you ascend.. [2] His mother, Angela Maria Mattea (ne Renzi; 1906-1991), was a homemaker and piano teacher of Italian ( Molisan) descent who was born in Connecticut. He is survived by his wife Dee Dee (Benkie) Sorvino, three children, Mira Sorvino, Amanda Sorvino, Michael Sorvino, and grandchildren Mattea Angel Backus, Holden Paul Terry Backus, Lucia Backus, Johnny Christopher King Backus. His character, Paulie Cicero, was a local mob boss lumbering, soft-spoken and ice-cold. I'm sending you love in the stars Dad as you ascend.". Tears & joy shared!" He finished shooting Pursued and The Ride while My Jurassic Place and The Chameleon was yet to be completed. He was also a parent to daughter Amanda and son Michael. Parents of Sorvino The parents of Paul Sorvino are Ford and Madam Marietta Sorvino. Frank Cerreta on NBCs Law & Order, as Mafia don Pail Cicero in Martin Scorseses beloved gangster film Goodfellas and as Kissinger in Oliver Stones Nixon., Mira Sorvino tweeted, My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. She wrote: However, when the Bad Impulse star discovered this, he expressed anger while talking to TMZ. In a press release shared by Paul's publicist, Roger Neal, it was announced that the actor died Monday morning with his wife, Dee Dee Sorvino, by his side. cemeteries found in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He started a career as an advertising . The actor died Monday morning with his wife Dee Dee Sorvino by his side. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. The love of my life & the most wonderful man who has ever lived is gone. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. His. Mira Sorvino and her husband Christopher Backus. In addition to Mira and Michael, Paul and ex-wife Lorraine Davis share daughter Amanda Sorvino. Mr. Sorvino worked as a waiter and a bartender, sold cars, taught acting to children and appeared in commercials for deodorant and tomato sauce. Mira Sorvino wrote on Twitter on Monday, My heart is rent asunder- a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. The Genetic Musical, which was critically pilloried, Sorvino was stuck playing a mob boss again one who traffics in human organs but the role did afford him the opportunity to sing arias on the bigscreen. memorial page for Paul Anthony Sorvino (13 Apr 1939-25 Jul 2022), Find a Grave Memorial ID 242005161, citing . Paul as previously stated is the father of three children, in this article, we will be diving into his personal life to know the number of grandchildren he has from his three children and who they are. She is the daughter of Lorraine Davis, an actress turned drama therapist, and veteran character actor Paul Sorvino. (1970).Sorvino suffered from severe asthma, and worked hard at mastering various breathing techniques to manage the illness. Actor Paul Sorvino with his daugter Amanda Sorvino attend the Venice Family Clinic Silver Circle Gala 2016 ( Source : gettyimages) Holden Paul Terry Backus is the second grandson of Paul. As a movie buff I'm kicking myself for not knowing the Paul Sorvino was Mira Sorvino's Dad! Paul Sorvino, an imposing actor who specialized in playing crooks and cops like Paulie Cicero in "Goodfellas" and the NYPD sergeant Phil Cerreta on "Law & Order," has died. All Rights Reserved. Sorvino married his wife Dee Dee in 2014. Paul Sorvino has died from natural causes, according to his representative. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. He was born to his parents in 2009, hence, he is currently 13 years old. A system error has occurred. American actress Mira Sorvino is paying homage to her father, Paul Sorvino, who passed away on July 25. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. The film also starred Robert Mitchum as the former basketball coach and Bruce Dern, Stacy Keach and Martin Sheen as other members of the team that gather for a reunion that will, in fact, see much disharmony come to light. "He was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage.". He was 83. He was the most wonderful father. Father of actress Mira Sorvino. Paul Sorvino, an imposing actor whose roles ranged from the mob boss in Goodfellas to an early stint on the long-running cop drama Law & Order, has died, according to his publicist Roger Neal. Sorvino is perhaps best remembered for director Martin Scorseses Goodfellas as Paul Cicero, the mobster who even in prison retained a passion for cooking and fine cuisine, thinly slicing garlic with a razor blade. His mother, Angela (Renzi), was a piano teacher, of Italian descent. Mostly, Sorvino provided characterful support his many films, as in William Friedkins 1979 heist film The Brinks Job and in A Touch of Class opposite Glenda Jackson and George Segal. "She was sent to me by God. Phil Cerreta on NBCs Law & Order, but he found the shooting schedule too demanding and difficult on his voice. His father, Ford Sorvino, was an Italian ( Neapolitan) immigrant who worked in a robe factory as a foreman. Sorvino is survived by his wife Dee Dee; his three adult children, Mira, Amanda and Michael, and five grandchildren. In 1993, he founded the Paul Sorvino Asthma Foundation, with the goal of building asthma centers for children and adults across the United States. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. In the late 1950s, he began performing at Catskills resorts and charity events. Founded the Dogfellas Dog Adoption organization in February of 2002 with his family. For one season (1991-92), he was Sgt. He followed those with roles in "The Rocketeer," "The Firm," "Nixon," which got him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, and Baz Luhrmanns "Romeo + Juliet" as Juliets father, Fulgencio Capulet. Most recently, in 2018, when the movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was on trial for criminal sexual acts and Mira Sorvino had accused him of harassment Mr. Sorvino predicted that Mr. Weinstein would die in jail. Survivors include his other children, Amanda and Michael, and five grandchildren. In 1963, he received his Actors Equity card as a chorus member in South Pacific and The Student Prince at the Theater at Westbury on Long Island. The Band Perry vs Giuliana Rancic and Melissa Joan Hart vs Paul Sorvino"- The celebrity families competing to win cash for their charities feature. My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed. Mr. Sorvino in 2000 with castmates in Law and Order. With him, from left, were Chris Noth, Michael Moriarty and Richard Brooks. Sorvino married his wife Dee Dee in 2014. By Daniella Segell. He is 16 years old as of July 2022. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Failed to report flower. Currently resides in Gilbert, Pennsylvania. May 29, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, United States. After the actress shared her emotional tweets, fans responded to her candor by offering her love and support. He is survived by his wife Dee Dee (Benkie) Sorvino, three children, Mira Sorvino, Amanda Sorvino, Michael Sorvino, and grandchildren Mattea Angel Backus, Holden Paul Terry Backus, Lucia Backus, Johnny Christopher King Backus. Then his luck changed. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. In 2012 he directed the indie film The Trouble With Cali, scripted by his daughter Amanda Sorvino. Before his death, Paul Sorvino enjoyed being a father to his three kids, Mira, Amanda and Michael. Had severe asthma. Failed to delete memorial. Sorvino spent some time as part of the Law & Order franchise; after George Dzundza left, he played Sgt. Legal Statement. He is survived by his wife Dee Dee (Benkie) Sorvino, three children, Mira Sorvino, Amanda Sorvino, Michael Sorvino, and grandchildren Mattea Angel Backus, Holden Paul Terry Backus, Lucia Backus, Johnny Christopher King Backus. Paul died with his wife Dee Dee Sorvino by his side, according to a release sent on behalf of the family, which noted that he "had dealt with health issues over the past few years.". Frank Cerreta, the partner of Christopher Noths Det. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. There was an error deleting this problem. Weve updated the security on the site. Please logout and login again. Anyone can read what you share. In 2018, Mira revealed that she had been sexually harassed by disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein to the news outlet Hollywood Reporter. In his over 50 years in the entertainment business, Sorvino was a mainstay in films and television, playing an Italian American communist in Warren Beattys "Reds," Henry Kissinger in Oliver Stones "Nixon" and mob boss Eddie Valentine in "The Rocketeer.". I love him so much. Read More About: Al Pacino Bruce Willis Carl Reiner Chris Noth Claire Danes Ellen Burstyn James Caan Law & Order. Thats why I prefer it, he told The Sun-Sentinel, a Florida newspaper, in 2005. Sorvino died on Monday of natural causes with his wife Dee Dee by his side. I love him so much. Mr. Sorvino is survived by his wife Dee. He worked with seven Oscar-winning directors: Passed away in the same month, just 19 days after his. She is the daughter of Lorraine Davis, an actress turned drama therapist, and veteran character actor Paul Sorvino.Her father's family were Italian immigrants. The actor took a role in Law & Order as one of the detectives but soon left, citing the limited range of the material. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Paul Sorvino in 1976. [on Scorsese not winning Best Director Oscar] It's an outrage, in my mind. A Warner Bros. Sorvino learned a lot about drama -- and performing -- from her acting parents, Paul Sorvino and Lorraine Davis, who met at a class in the 1960s conducted by esteemed teacher Sandy Meisner. Oops, something didn't work. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines of the week, Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe reveals 'promise' she made to mother before her death, Emma Stones 'And' co-star Willem Dafoe had her slap him 20 times to get scene right, Prince Harry's 'attacks' on 'villain' Camilla led to Frogmore Cottage eviction: expert, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend', Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck'. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Members of her family, including her actor brother Michael Sorvino, sit together in one of the restaurant's famous red banquettes, underneath the patriarch's caricature. He was the most wonderful father. Paul Sorvino, the tough-guy actor and operatic tenor and figurative sculptor known for his roles as calm and often courteously quiet but dangerous men in films like Goodfellas and television shows like Law & Order, died on Monday. Sorvino attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and had thoughts of becoming an opera singer before making his Broadway debut in the mid-1960s. Publicity Listings My heart is rent asunder- a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. Because if not, he has to meet me, and I will kill the [expletive deleted] real simple, Mr. Sorvino said in a widely aired video interview. Read More About: Al Pacino Bruce Willis Carl Reiner Chris Noth Claire Danes Ellen Burstyn James Caan Law & Order. In July 2004, he was awarded the "Premio per gli Italiani nel Mondo" at a ceremony in Rome. His "tough guy" image followed him throughout his career. He was one of the motley crew of heavily made up villains, Lips Manlis, assembled for the highly stylized crime drama Dick Tracy, starring and directed by Warren Beatty. Other noteworthy performances during the 1980s and 1990s included a stressed-out police chief in Cruising (1980), Mike Hammer's cop buddy in I, the Jury (1982), Lips Manlis in Dick Tracy (1990) with James Caan and in a standout performance as mob patriarch Paul Cicero in the powerhouse Goodfellas (1990).Always keeping himself busy, Sorvino performed over 100 theatrical movies and over 30 TV movies throughout his career, including a dynamic and under-appreciated portrayal of Henry Kissinger in Nixon (1995), as "Fulgencio Capulet" in the updated Romeo + Juliet (1996) and in the Las Vegas thriller The Cooler (2003). The actor's publicist announced that Paul passed away from natural causes at the age of 83, leaving behind his wife and three children. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. As of July 2022, the last American legendary actor has four beautiful grandchildren two boys and two girls from his first daughter and child, Mira Katherine Sorvino who is an American actress. Most of the time I was just another out-of-work actor who couldnt get arrested, he told The New York Times in 1972. 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My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed. ", In the 1970s, he acted alongside Al Pacino in "The Panic in Needle Park" and with James Caan in "The Gambler," reteamed with Reiner in "Oh, God!" There are 4 grandkids of Paul Sorvino. Sorvino's fellow "Goodfellas" alum Ray Liotta died earlier this year as. 2023 Cable News Network. Official Sites. Sorvino is survived by his wife and three children, including actress Mira Sorvino, and five grandchildren. He died of natural causes the morning of July 25 with his wife by his side, having dealt with health issues over the past few years. As a sufferer of severe asthma, which made a singing career more difficult, the actor launched the Sorvino Asthma Foundation and wrote a bestselling book called How to Become a Former Asthmatic.. This account has been disabled. Resend Activation Email. Johnny Christopher King Backus is the second eldest among Pauls grandchildren and happens to be the first grandson of the actor. On Tuesday, the Mighty Aphrodite actress, 54, thanked legendary New York City restaurant Sardi's for hosting her family as they paid tribute to Paul, who died July 25 at the age of 83 from natural causes. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Mr. Sorvino almost abandoned the role. He was 83. Dee Dee Sorvino issued a statement through Neal, saying in part: Our hearts are broken, there will never be another Paul Sorvino., Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sorvino earned a Tony nomination for his role in That Championship Season (reprising the role in the film version) and appeared in a long list of movies that included portraying Henry Kissinger in Nixon, Dick Tracy, Reds, and The Rocketeer.. Paul Sorvino married his first wife, Lorraine Davis, in 1966 and had three children from her: Mira, Michael, and Amanda. He happens to be the third child of his parents. "I miss you Dad!!!" This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Mira Sorvino is taking time to honor the legacy of her late father, actor Paul Sorvino. Try again later. The young Sorvino was intelligent, an avid reader and an exceptional scholar. based on information from your browser. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Paul Anthony Sorvino was born on April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, the youngest of three sons of Fortunato Sorvino, known as Ford, and Marietta (Renzi) Sorvino, a homemaker and piano teacher.. Sorvino is survived by his children Mira, Amanda, and Michael, his five grandchildren, and third wife Dee Dee Benkie. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Sorvino is most known for his role in "Goodfellas.". Sorvino was born in Brooklyn in 1939 and began his career as a copywriter at an ad agency before attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Paul grew up in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn and attended Lafayette High School. and was among the ensemble in William Friedkins bank robbery comedy "The Brinks Job.". Beatty cast Sorvino in four of his five films as a director in the Communist history film Reds, in 1998 political satire Bulworth, in which he played the head of a large insurance company who wants a political favor from the senator portrayed by Beatty, and again in the ill-fated Rules Dont Apply., In Stones Nixon Sorvino played secretary of state and close Nixon confidant Henry Kissinger; the next year he played Fulgencio Capulet, patriarch of the Capulets, in Baz Luhrmanns Miami-set take onRomeo & Juliet. He also played a mob boss whos ruthlessly seeking the futuristic jet pack at the center of the story in 1991s The Rocketeer.. he was 83. There was a problem getting your location. All of Paul Sorvino's three children are from his first marriage to Lorraine Davis. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Try again later. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "Our hearts are broken, there will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage," she said in a statement. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Lorraine and Sorvino divorced in 1988, and Sorvino married Vanessa Arico in 1991. Paul's third child, Michael, also performed in the play. Type above and press Enter to search. Mira tweeted in response. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. He happens to be the third child of his parents. He was 83. (Getty Images), DAVID WARNER, TITANIC ACTOR, DEAD AT 80. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. It is based in Manhattan and Pennsylvania. The actor worked at least as much in television as he did on the bigscreen. His father, Ford Sorvino, was an Italian immigrant who worked in a robe factory as a foreman. As of July 2022, the last American legendary actor has four beautiful grandchildren - two boys and two girls from his first daughter and child, Mira Katherine Sorvino - who is an American actress. 2016. Mr. Sorvinos final screen roles were in 2019. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Mr. Sorvino, second from left, with other cast members of That Championship Season, which started Off Broadway before moving to Broadway. Try again later. He furthered his studies with Sanford Meisner and eventually made his film debut in Where's Poppa? Acting in movies is like being an assistant to the sculptor.. Paul is survived by his third wife, Dee Sorvino; his three children, Mira, Amanda, and Michael; and five grandchildren. He died at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the "Welcome Back to Brooklyn" festival in 1993. The news of his death was confirmed by Sorvino's third wife, Dee Dee Benkie, via his publicist Roger Neal. Learn more about merges. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Actress: Mighty Aphrodite. Sorvino, who founded the Paul Sorvino Asthma Foundation, is survived by his wife, Dee Dee, whom he married in 2014, and his three adult children, including Amanda and actors Mira Sorvino and Michael Sorvino, as well as five grandchildren.