Paul Sorvino, who played gangster Pauly Cicero in the classic mob film ‘Goodfellas’, has died at the age of 83, a spokesman for the actor said on Monday.
Sorvino, also known for portraying Police Sergeant Phil Serrata in the 1990s TV series “Law & Order,” worked for more than 50 years in film and television and on stage.
He died of natural causes at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, the spokesman said.
His wife, Dee De Sorvino, wrote on Twitter, “I am completely devastated. The love of my life and the most wonderful person I have ever been is gone. I am heartbroken.”
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Sorvino studied music and originally wanted to be an opera singer before getting into acting.
Her long career included roles in the Broadway drama “That Championship Season” and the 1982 film adaptation. Other film credits included “Dick Tracy,” “Reds” and “Nixon,” in which he played Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Martin Scorsese tapped Sorvino at age 50 to play Cicero, a quiet but formidable character based on real-life mobster Paul Vario, in 1990’s “Goodfellas.”
Sorvino had three children, including actor Mira Sorvino, who thanked their father when he accepted his Academy Award for the 1995 film “Mighty Aphrodite.”
“He taught me everything I know about acting,” she said as she looked at the audience and burst into tears.
On Monday, Mira Sorvino said that “my heart is torn apart” by the death of her father.
“The life of love, joy and wisdom ends with him,” he wrote on Twitter. “He was the most amazing dad. I love him so much. I’m sending you love in the stars Dad as you soar.”