Paul Sorvino: A Renaissance Man
Interview by Hedi Khorsand
Paul Sorvino has come a long way from his early childhood neighborhood in Brooklyn and has graced many stages and screens around the world. Paul, a veteran actor who has appeared in more than 100 films including: Romeo and Juliet, Nixon, The Firm, Goodfellas, Dick Tracy and Bulworth, also exercises his creative muscles to the max. Whatever creative process he chooses, he delves into it naturally. He is a true renaissance man.
When you ask him where he gets his talent, his response is, “I have no idea!” So I had to dig in, and remind him of all he has done, to get a more definite answer.
IFQ: This intrigues me—you are an actor, director, singer, author, sculptor, pianist, and a poet. Where do your artistic gifts come from?
Paul Sorvino: It’s almost genetic. My mother was a talented pianist, and my father—although a foreman in the garment industry—was an intelligent and artistic man who loved to design. My uncle was a sculptor. So being artistic runs in the family.
IFQ: And which one of these creative roles do you identify with?
PS: All of them. When I get into something I get into it all the way, or I don’t do it.
IFQ: You have starred in TV shows, theater and film. Do you have any preference?
PS: My first performance was live theater at the age of 16. My first acting role was when I was 19. Being in a play comes to me naturally. There is only one take, and you give it all. It all depends on a good director and the material I am working with. When I was young, my family moved a lot. It was in my nature to adapt and imitate in order to cope with the new environment. I have the gift of quick adaptability and improvisation from my childhood. So acting comes to me naturally, whether it’s a play, a TV show, or film.
IFQ: You are a director as well, and have directed some of your co-stars. What constitutes a good director?
PS: A great director is a good collaborator with the actor. He or she may not know how the acting is done, but knows when to let the actor be the collaborator. I am talking about directors like Brett Ratner or Bousman.
IFQ: Talking about great collaborations between a director and an actor, one of the most memorable roles you played is “Uncle Paulie” in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. Are we going to see you coming back as “Uncle Paulie” any time soon?
PS: I really enjoyed working with Marti, and it depends on the situation.
IFQ: What’s the best advice you can give to young, independent filmmakers?
PS: Get out and meet as many talented individuals as you can. Get to know good writers. Become a part of a creative group. And think outside the studio box. Films like Paranormal were made with great collaboration and an unconventional approach to filmmaking. It does not matter what the material or the medium is—if the story is compelling, you have to make the film. And, with the new media these days, filmmakers have many opportunities to make their material work.