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Brooklyn-born actor Paul Sorvino is a performer having over 180 credits in a prolific career that includes both Screen Actors Guild and Tony Award nominations. You’ve seen him in Law and Order, Hey Arnold, Nixon, The Rocketeer and the Oscar-winning classic, Goodfellas. His reputation, however, reaches far beyond the screen.
Paul Sorvino
An actor, director, best-selling author, screenwriter, professional bronze sculptor, pianist, entrepreneur, operatic tenor and passionate cook – Paul is a true Renaissance Man and will soon receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Paul lives in New York and Los Angeles with his wife, Emmy award-winning television host and commentator Dee Dee. Together, the Sorvinos celebrate life in big and small ways and like to spread their joy by sharing special signature cocktails, irresistible food and memorable times with their friends.
Their new book Pinot, Pasta, and Parties features more than eighty traditional Italian recipes, with each themed chapter inspired by the places the couple’s love and the passions that stimulate their creative energy.
Cover of the Sorvinos new book “Pinot, Pizza and Parties”
I recently had a chance to speak with Dee Dee Sorvino about the couple’s love, friendship and collaboration.
N.M.: You are such a dynamic and authentic couple. Why do you think your relationship is so successful?
D.S.: We have fun and celebrate every day. Life is what you make it and we really put the effort into having the best world possible. We also have a lifestyle full of amazing food, drinks and celebrations. Paul has been cooking Italian food since he was a little boy and has the recipes passed down from his mother that we share in the book.
As a result of these experiences, she said, “Paul is old school in the kitchen.” It has to be perfect. I am much more of a risk taker but Paul is the true expert when it comes to old world Italian and loves food. In fact, he introduced me to enjoying the food and taking great care in the preparation. Now we have fun in the kitchen all the time. I am more of an expert with drinks and created 10 original cocktails. We also love people and different cultures, and have found that the easiest and most pleasurable way to share different cultures is through food, drinks and parties.
N.M.: What inspired you to write the book Pinot, Pasta, and Parties?
D.S.: We wanted to share our great fortune and love with everyone. We have a ball every day and invite others to discover our fountain of fun and happiness.
N.M.: Are there any other books or joint projects in the works?
D.S.: We are currently working on a second book and have a third one in mind. The second book is shorter and simpler, one we feel will end up at an airport bookstore. It’s so much fun working on it now. Pinot, Pasta, and Parties is a coffee table book, she said, whereas the second book is more of a fun reference guide.
N.M.: This concept of the book would translate very well to the TV screen. Do you have any TV cooking shows in the works?
D.S.: I have a background in TV, so the book is basically one television season. Each chapter has a theme, with drinks and full menus. 10 shows, 10 parties – a great food and drink theme with friends. We would be willing to do a show with the right producer and situation, but we don’t do anything if it’s not fun, so it has to be the right format and stage.
N.M.: You both have a true passion for cooking and celebrating. There are so many amazing places in the world. What would be your #1 destination to celebrate a special occasion, anywhere in the world?
D.S.: Rome is very special to us because that’s where we honeymooned and it holds such a rich history. Paul told me before going to Italy that you can get food in a gas station and it’s amazing. Sure enough, the food was so good it could have been served on white tablecloth with the finest wine. Italians appreciate food and wine and have a wide array of aperitivos and digestivos.
Paul and Dee Dee Sorvino. Photo by: Kerstin Alm
As for other places they like to travel to, she said, “New York City, is where we met and is our favorite place to be.” It has anything and everything you could ever want and the energy is at a 10 at all times!
N.M.: Where in New York did you meet?
D.S.: We met at Fox News. We were both guests on The Neil Cavuto Show. Paul was interviewed and then I took his chair and was interviewed. We ended up going next door with the producer of the show and some others after for drinks and food, and that was that.
We were married in front of the fountain at Lincoln Center, which is such a special place for us.
Paul and Dee Dee Sorvino with Vittorio Grigolo
N.M.: What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of the culinary world?
D.S.: We love to travel, go to the opera and ballet, and we watch a ton of TCM – Turner Classic Movies. We love the classics.
Another passion the couple share is acting.
Acting is fun and is something we can do together, she said, “I also am working on a “Drinks with Dee Dee” television series.”
N.M.: Paul recently was honored at the Elite Awards and also will receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He gave a very moving acceptance speech at the Elite Awards, mentioning his mother and her experience with domestic abuse. Are you involved in any specific charitable organizations related to this cause?
D.S.: Paul was thrilled to be honored recently by the Elite Awards. The event was incredible and he really appreciated being invited. We feel it’s good to honor and appreciate beauty and culture – this time, the beauty of India and Indian-Americans. Lovely people, and I can add I can’t get enough of South Asian cuisine – I loved it and very much enjoyed the dinner gala.
Paul spoke about his mother’s bravery and experience with domestic violence during his acceptance speech. It definitely had a poignant impact on him and his respect for women.
In addition to being honored by the Elite Awards, Dee Dee said, Paul has been selected to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work over the years and acting in almost 200 films. It’s amazing that he will have a star on the legendary sidewalk forever.
Lifetime Achievement Award given to Paul Sorvino by Larry Namer and Claudia Graf
N.M.: Can you tell us about Paul’s upcoming art exhibit?
D.S.: Paul will be having an art exhibit next year. He’s busy with acting, but finds time to paint and would really like to do another sculpture soon. He is talented at everything, but he truly has a gift for sculpting. It’s never boring in our world.
N.M.: Any additional thoughts?
D.S.: We love each other and life every day and plan to keep celebrating with all of our friends, and hope to make many new ones. So we wish everyone well! Travel, love, eat, drink and have fun every day. Salud! ■
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