Mira Katherine Sorvino was born on September 28, 1967, in Manhattan, New York City, to Lorraine Davis, an actress turned drama therapist, and Paul Sorvino, a veteran character actor. Her father's family was of Italian descent, with roots tracing back to Italian immigrants.
As a young girl, Mira Sorvino was an exceptional scholar, an avid reader, and intelligent. Her father, a seasoned actor, discouraged her from pursuing a career in acting, aware of the industry's tendency to consume young talent. Despite this, Sorvino's interest in acting persisted, and she attended Harvard University, majoring in Chinese. She graduated magna cum laude in 1989, thanks in part to her thesis on racial conflict in China, which earned her a Hoopes Prize and helped her achieve fluency in Mandarin Chinese.
After college, Sorvino moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She worked as a waitress, auditioned, and eventually landed a job at the Tribeca production company of Robert De Niro. Her early television work and film roles, including her debut in the independent gangster movie "Amongst Friends" (1993),garnered attention and led to more prominent roles in films such as "Barcelona" (1994) and "Quiz Show" (1994).
Sorvino's breakout performance came when she played the female lead in Woody Allen's "Mighty Aphrodite" (1995),earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 29. This recognition opened doors to a wide range of roles, including her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in "Norma Jean & Marilyn" (1996),alongside Ashley Judd.
In addition to her dramatic performances, Sorvino has also appeared in action and horror films, such as "Mimic" (1997) and "The Replacement Killers" (1998),showcasing her willingness to take on diverse roles. Her iconic performance as Romy White in "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" (1997),alongside Lisa Kudrow, has become a defining moment in her career.
In her personal life, Sorvino married Christopher Backus on June 11, 2004, and the couple has four children together.
