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Entertainment • Actor

Paul Sorvino

Paul Sorvino was an American actor known for portraying authoritative characters in film, television, and stage work.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paul Sorvino was an American actor known for portraying authoritative characters in film, television, and stage work. He was widely recognized for playing Paulie Cicero in *Goodfellas* and Sergeant Phil Cerreta on *Law & Order*. He died in 2022 at age 83.

Early life

Paul Sorvino was born in New York City in 1939. Public records and biographies identify him as an American actor with a long career in film and television.

Career

Sorvino became known for playing forceful authority figures, including police officers and crime figures. His best-known film role was Paulie Cicero in *Goodfellas*, and he also had a prominent television role in *Law & Order*.

Death

Sorvino died in July 2022 at the age of 83. Reports described the cause of death as natural causes.

Legacy

He is remembered as a character actor with a strong screen presence in both crime films and television dramas.

Key facts

  • Paul Sorvino was born in New York City on April 13, 1939.
  • He died on July 25, 2022, at age 83, of natural causes.
  • He is best known for playing Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese's *Goodfellas*.
  • He also played NYPD Sergeant Phil Cerreta on *Law & Order*.
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Canadian context

Paul Sorvino's films and television work, especially *Goodfellas* and *Law & Order*, were widely seen in Canada and remain part of North American popular culture.

Frequently asked questions

How old was Paul Sorvino?
He was 83 when he died in 2022.
What happened to Paul Sorvino?
Paul Sorvino died on July 25, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida.
Paul Sorvino cause of death?
Reports stated that he died of natural causes.
Who played Paul Sorvino?
If you mean who portrayed him, no actor is generally associated with playing Paul Sorvino himself; he was an actor, not a fictional character.
Paul Sorvino Goodfellas?
He played Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese's 1990 film *Goodfellas*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Sorvino
    Supports: Birth date, death date, age, occupation, career overview, and *Goodfellas* / *Law & Order* roles.
  2. Associated Press — https://apnews.com/article/paul-sorvino-dead-goodfellas-obituaries-922b8a7dc6f2d3cf2305ed8cdf6aa237
    Supports: Death at 83, natural causes, and notable roles including *Goodfellas* and *Law & Order*.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/paul-sorvino-dead-goodfellas-1235185779/
    Supports: Death at 83, natural causes, and prominence of *Goodfellas* role.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62296883
    Supports: Death at 83, natural causes, and *Goodfellas* role.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000649/
    Supports: Birth/death dates, role list, and summary of major credits.