AMDA Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Paul Sorvino

July 25, 2022 - Alumni

The AMDA community celebrates the life and legacy of Paul Sorvino, a giant in the entertainment industry and one of AMDA's inaugural graduates. With a career spanning half a century, Paul made a mark on the entertainment industry, garnering accolades for his work on Broadway, at the New York Opera, and on television screens and in cinemas around the globe.

Best known for portraying serious, powerful roles, Paul is remembered for his standout performances as "Henry Kissinger" in the 1995 film Nixon and as mafia leader "Paul Cicero" in Goodfellas. With over 220 credits to his name, he began his professional career in the 1960s working on Broadway in various shows including Bajour, Mating Dance, An American Millionaire and Wheelbarrow Closers, which he directed in 1976. He received a Tony Award nomination and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance for his portrayal of "Phil Romano" on Broadway in That Champion Season, and later revisited the role for the 1982 film adaptation. Among his numerous television credits, Paul appeared in Godfather of Harlem, Bert D’Angelo/Superstar, NBC’s Law & Order, Still Standing, and The Oldest Rookie. Notable film credits include Bad Impulse, Romeo + Juliet, I, the Jury, and The Cooler. Over the past few years, Paul has been recognized with multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards. He is survived by his three children - Mira, Amanda, and Michael - and five grandchildren.