Paul Sorvino Passes Away At 83

Paul Sorvino Guest Starred In "Homeward" My "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Episode In The Show's 7th And Final Season

Sad news to report for the Star Trek family. Actor Paul Sorvino, who portrayed the Federation anthropologist Nikolai Rozhenko, has died. He was 83.

Paul Sorvino - PHOTOFEST

Worf (Michael Dorn) mentioned Nikolai to the renegade Klingons seen in the first season installment, Heart of Glory. I used this memorable moment as a creative jumping off point for my story. It would take the development of my script to see Captain Picard’s Chief Of Security’s human foster brother in the flesh.

After I sold my teleplay to TNG, naturally I was more than curious to find out who would play the central guest starring character. When I learned Paul Sorvino would guest star in my Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, Homeward, I was genuinely thrilled. I'd enjoyed following his illustrious career for years. Early on, as a child, I recalled watching him starring in a powerful TV movie - along with Levar Burton - entitled, Dummy. This is an unforgettable crime drama (based on fact) where Paul plays a criminal defense lawyer who’s deaf, as is his client, Burton’s character, who’s been accused of multiple murders.

Paul’s great physicality and commanding voice - he sang as a respected operatic tenor - lent real substance to every compelling performance. He also loved the creative side of cooking and launched a line of pasta sauces under the name Paul Sorvino Foods.

In roles as diverse as the domineering Goodfellas mobster, co-starring with Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci, or as a raving military man parody in the awesomely outrageous horror movie, The Stuff, Paul Sorvino always impressed his many fans and defined genuine versatility. He remains one of the most celebrated and accomplished actors within the Star Trek family. And with Oscar winners such as Whoopi Goldberg and Joel Grey numbering on this stellar list, that’s really saying something indeed.