Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino was found dead. He died today (July 25) of natural causes, according to his representation. DeeDee Sorvino, his wife, posted on Instagram about his death and how she feels “completely devastated.” She also wrote that the “love of my life & the most wonderful man who has ever lived is gone.”
Born in Brooklyn on April 13, 1939, Paul Sorvino made a name for himself in Goodfellas and over 150 other credited roles. Besides the classic gangster film, he was known for his role as Sgt. Frank Cerreta on NBC’s Law & Order, confidant of Richard Nixon and confidant and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Oliver Stone’s Nixon, and Joe Johnston’s The Rocketeer as mob boss Eddie Valentine.
Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino found dead of natural causes at 83
The supporting role for Paul Sorvino in Goodfellas will be his most memorable role. He played Mafia don Paul Cicero, based on the real mobster Paul Vari.
Over the decades, Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino had a range of different projects. He had a romantic side with Slow Dancing in the Big City and could go into political satire with Bulworth. Overall, he was better known as a supporting actor, like in The Brink’s Job and I Will… I Will… For Now.
Leading up to his later years, Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino kept up with work. He popped up for one episode of some shows like Elementary, The Goldbergs, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. He had more significant roles in Bad Blood and Godfather of Harlem. Despite his death, he will have work that will roll out over the next few years. He already filmed Pursued with Molly Ringwald (Riverdale) and Sam Trammell (Homeland). He also filmed The Ride with his wife.
Throughout his life, he struggled with asthma. That made for a challenge in his singing career in musicals like Slow Dancing in the Big City. Due to this experience, he started the Sorvino Asthma Foundation and wrote a bestselling book called How to Become a Former Asthmatic.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Amanda and Mira, and a son, Michael.