On This Day in History, April 13: A ‘Goodfella’ From Bensonhurst

April 13, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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Paul Sorvino was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on April 13, 1939. He attended Lafayette High School before studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

His father, Ford Sorvino, was a robe factory foreman and his mother was a piano teacher.

In 1970 Sorvino started his acting career. Some of his most memorable film appearances include The Gambler (’74), A Touch of Class (’73), That Championship Season (’82) and Reds (’81).

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His most famous role was probably as “Paulie” in Martin Scorsese’s gangster film Goodfellas (’90). The film was nominated for six Oscars.

In 1976 Sorvino starred as Sgt. Bert D’Angelo in the short-lived TV police drama “Bert D’Angelo: Superstar.” Later on he made appearances in the popular TV series “Law and Order.”

Broadway appearances include An American Millionaire, The Mating Dance, Skyscraper and King Lear; and for his stage role in That Championship Season he was nominated for a Tony Award.

Sorvino’s true love is opera singing, for which he has great talent and which he continues to pursue.

Sorvino’s daughter Mira Sorvino is a successful actress. She won an Oscar for her performance in the Woody Allen film Mighty Aphrodite (1995). During her acceptance speech, her father could be seen in the audience with tears streaming down his face. Mira also earned an Emmy nomination for Norma Jean & Marilyn (1997).

Sorvino was the 1993 King Of Brooklyn for the “Welcome Back to Brooklyn” event, and since that year he has had his spot on Brooklyn’s Celebrity Path at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.


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