Goodfellas Actor Paul Sorvino Has Died Aged 83

Paul Sorvino, best known for playing Goodfellas mobster Paulie Cicero, has died at the age of 83.

The actor's publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed that Sorvino had died in Indiana this morning (Monday 25 July) of natural causes.

Sorvino's wife Dee Dee said in a statement: “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 also posted a poignant tribute on Instagram, sharing a selfie with her husband, writing: "I am completely devastated.

"The love of my life and the most wonderful man who has ever lived is gone. I am heartbroken."

Born in Brooklyn to Italian-American parents, Sorvino began acting while studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York - having originally hoped to become an opera singer.

After making his Broadway debut in 1964 musical Bajour, he appeared in his first film six years later with 1970's Where's Poppa? alongside George Segal and Ruth Gordon.

The following year, he had a supporting role in Jerry Schatzberg's critically-acclaimed drama The Panic in Needle Park, starring Al Pacino and Kitty Winn.

Warner Bros

Other notable credits also included roles in Oliver Stone's Nixon, superhero film The Rocketeer, Warren Beatty drama Dick Tracey and popular series Law & Order. He also portrayed Fulgencio Capulet, patriarch of the Capulets, in Baz Luhrmann’s reimagined version of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.

However, arguably his finest hour came in 1990, when he featured in Martin Scorsese's gangster epic Goodfellas, playing Paul Cicero - a character based on the real-life mobster Paul Vario.

Sorvino had three children, including actor Mira Sorvino - who dedicated her Oscar win for 1995's Mighty Aphrodite to her father.

Thanking a number of colleagues and family members, she said: "When you give me this award, you honour my father Paul Sorvino, who has taught me everything I know about acting. I love you very much, Dad.

"I always looked at great performances and was so moved by how much other people's hearts made me feel as a child. And I wanted to be an actor who could move other people and make other people see something about the human spirit, and you've made me feel that I've made a small step towards that."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677 

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