Wissenswertes

An enthusiastic opera singer, painter, sculptor and cook.

Father of actress Mira Sorvino, Amanda Sorvino and Michael Sorvino.

In 1993, he founded the Paul Sorvino Asthma Foundation, with the goal of building asthma centers for children and adults across the United States.

His budding career was threatened when asthma compromised his ability to talk and sing. But the breathing exercises he learned allowed him to breathe normally.

Italian-American, with ancestry from Vomero, Naples, Campania, and Casacalenda, Province of Campobasso, Molise.

Founded the Dogfellas Dog Adoption organization in February of 2002 with his family. It is based in Manhattan and Pennsylvania.

Founder of Paul Sorvino Foods, an international food company.

In July 2004, he was awarded the "Premio per gli Italiani nel Mondo" at a ceremony in Rome. The prize is distributed by the Marzio Tremaglia Foundation and the Italian government to Italian emigrants and their descendants who have distinguished themselves abroad. At the ceremony, he performed the Neapolitan song "Torna a Surriento" with tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Spoke fluent Italian.

Had severe asthma. Started the Sorvino Asthma Foundation.

Recovering with only minor bruises, after being hit by a car in Manhattan on October 7, 2011, while hailing a cab.

He appeared in three films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Mann, bist du Klasse! (1973), Ein Mann kämpft für Gerechtigkeit (1981) and GoodFellas - Drei Jahrzehnte in der Mafia (1990).

Was nominated for Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic) for Jason Miller's "That Championship Season."

Died a few weeks after two of his co-stars from unrelated 1990 movies: James Caan (from Dick Tracy) and Tony Sirico (from Goodfellas).

A graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Currently resides in Gilbert, Pennsylvania. (März 2006)

Ranked #10 on Tropopkin's Top 25 Most Intriguing People [Issue #100]

He worked with seven Oscar-winning directors: Mike Nichols (Der Tag des Delphins (1973)), John G. Avildsen (Cry Uncle (1971), Mit dir in einer großen Stadt (1978)), William Friedkin (Das große Dings bei Brinks (1978), Cruising (1980)), Warren Beatty (Ein Mann kämpft für Gerechtigkeit (1981), Dick Tracy (1990), Bulworth (1998)), Martin Scorsese (GoodFellas - Drei Jahrzehnte in der Mafia (1990)), Sydney Pollack (Die Firma (1993)) and Oliver Stone (Nixon - Der Untergang eines Präsidenten (1995)).

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the "Welcome Back to Brooklyn" festival in 1993.

Appeared in movies with former Law & Order (1990) castmates on two occasions: with Steven Hill in Die Firma (1993) and with Chris Noth in Mr 3000 (2004).

Passed away in the same month, just 19 days after his Spieler ohne Skrupel (1974) and Dick Tracy (1990) co-star James Caan.

Uncle of Bill Sorvino.

Father-in-law of Christopher Backus.

Attended Brooklyn's Lafayette High School with Larry King.

Shares birthday with Ron Perlman.