Italian American Heritage Month: Mira Sorvino

Mira Sorvino is an American actress and producer, born on September 28, 1967, in New York City. She is the daughter of actor Paul Sorvino and drama therapist Lorraine Davis. A graduate of Harvard University, where she earned a degree in East Asian Studies and spent a year in China, Sorvino is known for her intelligence as well as her acting talent.

She rose to prominence for her role as Linda Ash in Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite (1995), which earned her the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. Her other notable films include Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997), Mimic (1997), The Replacement Killers (1998), and Summer of Sam (1999).

In addition to her film work, Sorvino has appeared in numerous television projects, such as Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996) and Shining Vale (2022–). She has also been an outspoken advocate for human rights, particularly in fighting human trafficking and supporting the #MeToo movement, where she was among the first actresses to publicly accuse producer Harvey Weinstein of misconduct.

Mira Sorvino continues to balance acting with a busy family life. She is currently appearing on Broadway in the musical, Chicago. She is married to actor Christopher Backus, and they have four children.