Goodfellas actor Paul Sorvino dies aged 83-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Goodfellas legend Paul Sorvino has died (Picture: Invision)

Paul Sorvino has died at the age of 83.

The actor – most known for playing Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas – died this morning in Indiana, his reps confirmed.

His wife, Dee Dee, was thought to be by his side at the time of his death.

‘Our hearts are broken, there will never be another Paul Sorvino,’ his widow shared in tribute.

‘He was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage.’

The late star’s daughter, Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino, was among those paying tribute on social media.

Tributes poured in for the star (Picture: Rex)

Taking to Twitter, she penned: ‘My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed.

‘My heart is rent asunder- a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over. He was the most wonderful father.

‘I love him so much. I’m sending you love in the stars Dad as you ascend.’

Jason Alexander also shared his condolences on social media, and wrote: ‘The amazing Paul Sorvino has passed.

‘From Baker’s Wife on Bway to Shakespeare in the Park to all the incredible film/tv roles – he was magnificent in all. Blessings to his friends and family. #rippaulsorvino.’

Rosanna Arquette commented: ‘Oh no ,I’m so very sorry for Mira and her family’s loss of their kind and lovely papa Paul Sorvino. May he Rest In Peace.’

‘A gifted actor and kind human,’ Dane Cook added. ‘My condolences to Dee Dee, Mira, Michael & Amanda. RIP Paul Sorvino.’

New York born Sorvino attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy as a youngster, where he honed his craft.

He made his debut in 1970 film Where’s Poppa, before going on to appear in Made For Each Other, A Touch Of Class, and The Stuff.

The Hollywood legend played Paulie Cicero opposite Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci (Picture: Rex)

Although he landed roles in a string of big screen hits, his most famous role undoubtedly came in 1990, when he played Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s mafia classic, Goodfellas.

He starred opposite Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci in the flick, which followed the rise and eventual downfall of mob member Henry Hill.

Speaking about the iconic part, he previously joked: ‘There are many people who think I’m actually a gangster or a mafioso, largely because of Goodfellas.

‘I suppose that’s the price you pay for being effective in a role.’

Sorvino kicked off his acting career in 1970 (Picture: AP)

In a New York Times piece on the 25th anniversary of Goodfellas, he confessed that he was terrified after landing the movie.

‘I’d done a lot of comedies as well as dramas, but I’d never done a really tough guy. I never had it in me,’ he said in 2015.

‘And this [part] called for a lethality, which I felt was way beyond me. I called my manager three days before we started shooting and said, “Get me out. I’m going to ruin this great man’s picture, and I’m going to ruin myself.” He, being wise, said, “Call me tomorrow, and if necessary I will get you out.”

‘Then I was going by the hall mirror to adjust my tie. I was just inconsolable. And I looked in the mirror and literally jumped back a foot. I saw a look I’d never seen, something in my eyes that alarmed me.

Sorvino is survived by his three children, including Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino (Picture: FilmMagic)

‘A deadly soulless look in my eyes that scared me and was overwhelmingly threatening. And I looked to the heavens and said, “You’ve found it.”’

From this, Sorvino went on to play Fulgencio Capulet, father of Claire Danes’ Juliet in Baz Luhrman’s cinematic adaptation of Romeo + Juliet in 1996, and Joe Scoleri in 2013 movie, Once Upon A Time in Queens.

He also had a successful stint on the small screen, including a main role on Law & Order as Sergeant Phil Cerreta, spanning more than a year.

His other TV credits include That’s Life, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders and The Goldbergs.

More: Trending

Sorvino shares daughters Mira and Amanda, and son Michael, with his first wife, Lorraine Davis.

In December, 2014, he walked down the aisle once again, tying the knot with third wife Dee Dee Benkie.

Sorvino is survived by Dee Dee, and his children, Mira, Michael and Amanda.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.

Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

Entertainment – MetroRead More