Born in Brooklyn, New York, and trained at the American Music and Dramatic Academy and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, his goal early in life was to be an opera singer. Even throughout the course of his career as an actor, Sorvino's love of song beckoned, as he often returned to the Opera, including performances in Die Fledermaus with the Seattle Opera Company and numerous appearances at the Metropolitan Opera House. Bouncing back to the boards in legit stage, he starred on Broadway in That Championship Season and An American Millionaire.
Among his myriad captivating roles in film, critics and fans alike note his portrayal of Mafia Don "Paul Cicero" in GoodFellas as one of the most vivid characters in the entire filmography of director Martin Scorsese. Other memorable roles include the recently critically acclaimed The Cooler, in which he plays a washed up, drug-addled Vegas lounge singer; The Day of The Dolphin, Dick Tracy, Nixon and The Firm. He will soon be seen in Mr. 3000 (with Bernie Mac and Angela Bassett) and Mr. Fix-It, with David Boreanaz. Among his well known television credits, are the crime drama Law & Order, That's Life! (on which he also directed several episodes) and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
As one who suffers from severe asthma, Sorvino has dedicated a great deal of his time and energy to fundraising and philanthropic efforts related to the cause, including the dedication of The Sorvino Children's Asthma Foundation. He is also the author of How to Become a Former Asthmatic.
Paul Sorvino will next play Tevye the milkman in Fiddler on the Roof for North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh Jan. 22-30, 2005
Fiddler on the Roof won 9 Tony Awards in its original Broadway run and is currently back on Broadway. It musical score includes such classics as "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker" and "Sunrise, Sunset."
Fiddler on the Roof runs from January 22 - 30, with a student preview night scheduled for January 21st. All performances are held in Memorial Auditorium at the BTi Center for the Arts in Raleigh, NC. For ticket information, contact NCT box office at (919) 831-6950, www.nctheatre.com; or through Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets range from $20-$60 with a special $15 price for students and teachers at the January 21st preview.
Log onto North Carolina Theatre's (NCT)website at www.nctheatre.com for more info.
