biography

Mira was born in 1967 in Tenafly, New Jersey. Her father, actor Paul Sorvino, discouraged Mira and her two siblings from the acting profession to save them from the psychological pressures that accompany child stars. Being the dutiful daughter that she was, Mira spent much of her childhood concentrating on her studies. Her hard work paid off and was accepted into Harvard University. She graduated with a degree in East Asian Studies and while in Beijing, she learned to speak fluent Mandarin Chinese.

Despite her father’s apprehension about following in his professional footsteps, Mira had always wanted to act and decided to move to New York to pursue her dream. She spent the following three years as a struggling actress/waitress and worked for Robert DeNiro's film company as a production assistant. In 1992 Mira jumped at the opportunity as third assistant director on director friend Rob Weiss's film, "Amongst Friends". She was promoted to casting director, then to associate producer, and ultimately to the film's female lead. Her performance received positive reviews from the film festival circuit.

She also gained the interest of director Robert Redford by her screen presence and was cast in 1994's "Quiz Show". She then landed the role in Woody Allen's "Mighty Aphrodite" as a bubble-brain prostitute. At first she wasn't allowed to even audition for the part because the film's casting agents seen her as too cultivated and polished to play a raunchy hooker. Nonetheless, Mira ended up shinning brighter than any star in the film.

She went on to play in HBO's "Norma Jean and Marilyn". She proved her versatility by delivering up comedy in "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" then giving a dramatic performance in the horror flick "Mimic". Her next film was the thriller "The Replacement Killers" which she was reportedly paid a whopping $2 million dollars for. In 1999 she won the starring role in the romantic drama "At First Sight" opposite Val Kilmer.

Her ability to mimic accents as well as varied ethnic identities makes her a much sought after star in Hollywood. She has the ability to bring a soft, innocent side to her characters that is remarkable. Her incredible talent was rewarded with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1996. She graciously accepted the award by dedicating it to her father saying, "when you give me this award, you honor my father, Paul Sorvino, who has taught me everything there is to know about acting".