Who Was Paul Sorvino’s Wife? The Late Actor ‘Went Nuts’ When He First Saw Dee Dee Benkie

Iconic movie star Paul Sorvino might have had the most unsettling roles on TV, playing a gangster and law enforcement agent. Still, in reality, he enjoyed peace with his wife, Dee Dee Benkie- Meet the woman whom the actor was always crazy about.

“Goodfellas” actor Paul Sorvino passed away on Monday, in his home, in Jacksonville. A few hours before his death, the on-screen legend fell sick. Dee Dee Benkie quickly attended to her husband by checking him into a medical center nearby. Sadly, he died the next day. It was a shock to the Sorvino family and everyone associated with them.

The actor’s publicist, Roger Neal, mentioned that it was unexpected. In a statement, Benkie revealed that the news was devastating, adding that “there will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage.”

Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee Sorvino attend The Cinema Society With FIJI Water, Lindt Chocolate, Entertainment Weekly & People Host The After Party For Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” at Top of The Standard Hotel on December 17, 2018 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In the evening of that same day, Sorvino’s widow went on Twitter to pour out her grieving heart. She shared throwback images of her and the deceased and wrote:

“I am completely devastated. The love of my life & the most wonderful man who has ever lived is gone. I am heartbroken.”

Sorvino was 83 years old when he died. He had been married for a few years to his much younger wife, and they shared one of the sweetest love stories in Hollywood. However, it ended rather sadly. Here is a sneak peek into their romance.

Actor Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee Sorvino attend the party for the casts of NBC’s 2018-2019 Season hosted by NBC and The Cinema Society at Four Seasons Restaurant on September 20, 2018 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

WHO IS DEE DEE BENKIE?

Benkie was born on November 9, 1966, in Indiana. Like her deceased husband, Benkie was very involved in the movie industry. Consequently, she found fame and recognition working as a radio personality and an actress. Sorvino’s widow has worked at home and abroad, from anchoring shows on Comedy Central, Fox News, BBC, and Fox Business channel.

She received awards as host of the international radio show “Fresh Outlook” on EBRU Tv and for her contributions to the Indianapolis magazine, “Six-Thirty PM.

Additionally, her roles in movies portray a woman of power. Her acting credits include “Dr. Cassandra Grant in “My Jurassic Place,” Queen of Iran in “Price for Freedom,” and Diana in “Bad Blood.”

Dee Dee Sorvino attends the premiere of “The Last Poker Game”, during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, at Regal Battery Park Cinemas on April 24, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The Emmy winner wears a hat on her head as she describes herself as a comedian, podcast host, and author via her bio on Instagram. She is also a very active member of the Internet community, with large followership on her Instagram and Twitter pages.

Through her social media handles, Benkie shares her reality and thoughts on various subjects. On Twitter, she created a captivating bio, including her job description, noting that she enjoyed a happy married life with her former husband.

Following her wedding to Sorvino in 2014, she changed her surname to Sorvino, proving how much she loved and respected the actor. Indeed, Benkie was in awe of her beau, and she tirelessly shared memorable moments spent in each other’s company via her posts.

Dee Dee Benkie attends Gala Telethon during the 9th Rome Film Festival at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on October 23, 2014 in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

The photos displayed how happy and connected they were. But apart from the lovely images, the couple wrote a cookbook titled Pinot, Pasta & Parties in 2017.

The 55-year-old is also a political pundit, ever willing to demonstrate her loyalty— she had worked as a former aide to President George W. Bush. In addition, she served as a chairwoman for the Republican National Convention.

Dee Dee Sorvino attends the Paul & Dee Dee Sorvino celebrate their new book “Pinot, Pasta & Parties” at 200 East 57th Street on April 25, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

HOW DID DEE DEE AND PAUL MEET EACH OTHER?

Like most entertainers, Paul and Benkie met on the set of “Your World With Neil Cavuto.” During his guest appearance on the Fox News Channel show, he could not help but notice a stunning younger lady in a blue dress.

At that instant, he thought that she was the catch. After their wedding, the couple visited their meeting point to share the experience. While recounting his side of the story, Paul said:

“She took the chair after me… I went nuts as soon as I saw her. She’s wearing this beautiful blue dress and she had an aura around her… I said, ‘Oh my God, that — this is gonna be for me.'”

Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee Sorvino attend Museum Of The Moving Image 30th Annual Salute honoring Warren Beatty at 583 Park Avenue on November 2, 2016 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

What followed was a date at the Del Frisco restaurant not too far from the studio. They became more familiar and soon welcomed the sweetest romance.

The attraction was mutual, so when the interviewer, Cavuto, asked Benkie why she fell for an older guy, her answer came quickly. She gushed and admitted that her husband is an all-rounder, a great cook, singer, pianist, actor, and everything she desired in a man.

Dee Dee Sorvino and actor Paul Sorvino attend a Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony for Sorvino from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at Hilton Universal City on March 31, 2017 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

WHEN DID THEY GOT MARRIED?

Despite falling in love at first sight, the couple decided to maintain secrecy concerning their wedding. So in 2014, a year after meeting, they eloped to the fountain at Lincoln Center.

Once they shared their vows, the love birds decided to alert family and friends of their new status. Benkie and her husband spent their honeymoon in Rome before returning to their home in the US.

Ever since becoming Mrs. Sorvino, the actress has proudly flaunted her beloved husband and their seamless marriage— after more than seven years as his wife.

Actor Paul Sorvino (L) and wife Dee Dee Sorvino attend the premiere of “Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” at the Egyptian Theatre on August 11, 2015 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

In April, while celebrating their love, she shared an adorable selfie featuring Paul and talked about how happy they were to have found each other. The accompanying caption read:

“Happy Anniversary with this big guy! 7 years and 4 months. We were just talking about how it’s going to be 8 years before you know it! Every day is a celebration. Cheers!”

Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee Sorvino attend the Open Road with Men’s Fitness Host the After Party for “Bleed for This” at Ascent Lounge on November 14, 2016 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

WAS PAUL MARRIED BEFORE DEE DEE?

For Paul, the third time was a charm! The deceased actor had been married twice before meeting his third wife. However, the first time he shared wedding vows was in 1966, when he said “I do” to Lorraine Davis.

The couple divorced in 1988 and had already welcomed three kids, Mira, Amanda, and Michael Sorvino. In 1991, the actor married again, this time to Vanessa Arico. However, their marriage did not produce any child.

Paul’s kids with Davis are performing brilliantly and have not been in the news over any scandal. His firstborn, Mira, inherited his acting prowess and is now a famous award-winning on-screen diva.

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