Paul Sorvino, the Brooklyn-born actor best known for his roles in Goodfellas and Law & Order, died on Monday at age 83 due to natural causes. Since news of his death, many in Hollywood have paid tribute to the performer, including former costars Marlee Matlin, Forest Whitaker, and Ralph Macchio.
But perhaps the most enduring testament to Sorvino’s legacy as both an actor and person comes courtesy of his daughter, actress Mira Sorvino.
On social media, many remembered Mira’s moving acceptance speech at the 1996 Academy Awards, where she won best supporting actress for Mighty Aphrodite. During her remarks, Mira offers an emotional shoutout to her father. “When you give me this award, you honor my father, Paul Sorvino—who has taught me everything I know about acting,” she says as the camera cuts to Paul, who begins visibly crying. “I love you very much, Dad.”
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In the years following her win, Mira has been open about being blacklisted by Harvey Weinstein after she rejected his sexual advances. When asked about Weinstein’s alleged abuse of his daughter, Paul didn’t mince words, telling TMZ in 2018, “He’s going to go to jail. Oh yeah. That son of a bitch. Good for him if he goes, because if not, he has to meet me. And I will kill the motherfucker. Real simple.”
After his passing, Mira paid tribute to Paul—who is also father to her siblings Michael and Amanda—on Twitter. “My father the great Paul Sorvino has passed. My heart is rent asunder- a life of love and joy and wisdom with him is over,” she wrote. “He was the most wonderful father. I love him so much. I’m sending you love in the stars Dad as you ascend.”
