Paul Sorvino

Born April 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Paul Sorvino knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entertainer -- yet he had a separate (and successful) career as an advertising executive first. Trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, Sorvino has worked as both a dancer and singer in addition to acting; he made his stage debut in the Broadway musical "Bajour."

Sorvino made his film debut in the 1970 comedy Where's Poppa?, but it was his Tony-nominated performance in the play "This Championship Season" (1972) that won him his first widespread recognition and acclaim. Roles on TV and in film followed, including his portrayal of Detective Phil Cerruta in the 1991-'92 season of "Law and Order."

Memorable films for Sorvino include Marin Scorsese's GoodFellas (1990), Oliver Stone's Nixon (in which he played Henry Kissinger), The Cooler and Goodnight, Joseph Parker.

Filmography