Paul Anthony Sorvino (/sɔːrˈviːnoʊ/, Italian: [sorˈviːno]; April 13, 1939 – July 25, 2022) was an American actor, opera singer, businessman, writer, and sculptor. He often portrayed authority figures on both sides of the law and was known for his roles as Paulie Cicero (based on Paul Vario) in the 1990 gangster film Goodfellas, and NYPD Sergeant Phil Cerreta on the TV series Law & Order. He took on supporting roles in A Touch of Class, Reds, The Rocketeer, Nixon, and Romeo + Juliet. He was the father of actors Mira Sorvino and Michael Sorvino.
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Diane Hall Keaton (born Diane Hall; January 5, 1946) is an American actress. Known for her idiosyncratic personality and fashion style, she has received various accolades throughout her career spanning over six decades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
She began her career on stage appearing in the original 1968 Broadway production of the musical Hair. The next year, she received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play nomination for her performance in Woody Allen's comic play Play it Again, Sam. She then made her screen debut in a small role in Lovers and Other Strangers (1970). She rose to prominence with her first major film role as Kay Adams-Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather (1972), a role she reprised in its sequels The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990). The films that most shaped her career were those with director and co-star Woody Allen, beginning with the film adaptation of Play It Again, Sam (1972). Her next two films with Allen, Sleeper (1973) and Love and Death (1975), established her as a comic actor. Her fourth, the romantic comedy Annie Hall (1977), won her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
To avoid being typecast as her Annie Hall persona, she appeared in several dramatic films, starring in Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) and Allen's Interiors (1978), and received three more Academy Award nominations for playing feminist activist Louise Bryant in Reds (1981), a woman with leukemia in Marvin's Room (1996), and a dramatist in Something's Gotta Give (2003). Her other popular films include Manhattan (1979), Baby Boom (1987), Father of the Bride (1991), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), Father of the Bride Part II (1995), The First Wives Club (1996), The Family Stone (2005), Morning Glory (2010), Finding Dory (2016) and Book Club (2018).
Maury Chaykin, born on July 27, 1949, was a Canadian actor known for his versatile and captivating performances. With his distinctive appearance, rich voice, and remarkable acting talent, Chaykin left a lasting impact on both the stage and screen throughout his career.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Chaykin moved to Toronto, Canada, at a young age. He developed a passion for acting and pursued his craft at the University of Toronto and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Chaykin began his career in theater, performing in numerous productions and earning critical acclaim for his stage work.
Chaykin's talent and dedication soon caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to his transition to film and television. He made his on-screen debut in the 1973 film "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz." Over the years, Chaykin became known for his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, bringing depth, complexity, and nuance to each role he portrayed.
Throughout his career, Chaykin worked extensively in both Canada and the United States, collaborating with renowned directors and fellow actors. He appeared in notable films such as "My Dinner with Andre" (1981), "Dances with Wolves" (1990), "The Sweet Hereafter" (1997), and "Being Julia" (2004). Chaykin's performances often garnered critical acclaim and earned him awards and nominations, including several Genie Awards (Canada's equivalent of the Oscars) for Best Actor.
On television, Chaykin showcased his versatility in a wide range of roles. He appeared in numerous acclaimed series, including "The Sopranos," "Entourage," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and "Nero Wolfe Mysteries." One of his most notable television roles was as Nero Wolfe in the A&E television series "A Nero Wolfe Mystery," for which he received widespread praise.
Maury Chaykin's acting style was characterized by his ability to fully embody the essence of a character, no matter how eccentric or complex. He had a commanding presence on screen, capable of effortlessly transitioning between comedy, drama, and everything in between. Chaykin's performances were marked by his commitment to authenticity and his profound understanding of the human condition.
Tragically, Maury Chaykin passed away on July 27, 2010, on his 61st birthday. His untimely death left a void in the acting community, but his legacy as a talented and versatile performer continues to inspire aspiring actors and entertain audiences worldwide. Chaykin's body of work serves as a testament to his remarkable talent, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film and television.
Robert Elmer Balaban, Born: August 16, 1945, Chicago, Illinois, U.S (Height: 5' 5" [1.65 m]). is an American actor, author, comedian, director, and producer. He is best known for his appearances in the Christopher Guest mockumentary comedies Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006), as well as his roles in the films Midnight Cowboy (1969), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Altered States (1980), 2010 (1984), Deconstructing Harry (1997), and Capote (2005). Balaban has also directed three feature films, in addition to numerous television episodes and films. He is also an author of children's novels.
Balaban began his career in the 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He made his breakthrough role in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, playing a young hustler who befriends an aging rodeo cowboy. In the 1970s, Balaban appeared in a number of popular films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Altered States (1980), and 2010 (1984). He also continued to work in television, appearing in recurring roles on the shows Lou Grant and Designing Women.
In the 1990s, Balaban began a long and fruitful collaboration with filmmaker Christopher Guest. He appeared in all of Guest's mockumentary comedies, including Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006). Balaban's performances in these films were widely praised, and he earned a reputation as one of the most reliable comedic actors in Hollywood.
In addition to his work in film and television, Balaban has also directed three feature films: The Last Shot (1999), Bernie (2011), and A Little Help (2010). He is also a successful author of children's novels, and he has won several awards for his writing.
Balaban is a respected and versatile actor who has enjoyed a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. He is known for his sharp wit, his impeccable comedic timing, and his ability to create memorable characters. He is a true Renaissance man, and he is sure to continue to entertain audiences for many years to come.
Balaban has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career. He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards, for his work on the television shows Lou Grant and Designing Women. He has also been nominated for two Tony Awards, for his performances in the Broadway plays The Norman Conquests and The Plough and the Stars.
Balaban is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Balaban is married to Lynn Grossman, and they have two children together. He is a resident of New York City.
Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein (/liˈoʊn/ lee-OHN; born April 4, 1979) is an American actress, writer, director, and producer. She is known for her distinctive raspy voice and tough persona, and the accolades she has received include nominations for five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
After working as a child actress, Lyonne came to prominence in the late 1990s with her roles in Everyone Says I Love You (1996), Slums of Beverly Hills (1998), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), and American Pie (1999). Following various independent film appearances throughout the 2000s, she achieved wider recognition with her portrayal of Nicky Nichols on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019). Her subsequent television work has included Peacock's Poker Face (2023–present) and Netflix's Russian Doll (2019–2022). In addition to starring in Russian Doll, Lyonne co-created, wrote for, directed, and served as an executive producer of the series. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2023.
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Gerald Tommaso DeLouise (April 30, 1940 – October 8, 2023), known professionally as Burt Young, was an American actor, author, and painter. He played Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series, his performance in the first installment of which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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