Staying Fit
More than 20 years after Mira Sorvino won an Oscar for her role in Mighty Aphrodite, she is back in the spotlight. The 50-year-old stars in the upcoming film Beneath the Leaves alongside her father, Paul Sorvino, 79, and she has a lead role in the new TV show Condor. She spoke with AARP about her latest projects, speaking up, giving back and doing right.
No age limits
My dad achieved a life dream at 65, when he sang for the New York City Opera. When I saw him do that, I thought, All bets are off. We can do whatever we want, whenever we want. You have to believe in your own capacity.
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At your service
My dad’s hugest heroes are Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu. My mom volunteered at a suicide hotline. I became a U.N. ambassador in 2009 — one of the greatest privileges of my life. Helping others is what we’re meant to do while we’re here.
Ditch the doubt
I had no idea there were so many others who had been affected by [Harvey Weinstein]. Had I known, I would have spoken out sooner. While I’ve always been outspoken for other people, for some reason I didn’t do it for myself. I just took it on the chin.
Courage under fire
It has been a very important life lesson — to live honestly no matter what the circumstances are. That’s how I want my children to live, and it’s the example I hope to set for them. When Ashley Judd and I walked the red carpet together at the Oscars earlier this year, it felt like a celebratory, magical moment.
Work it
In between raising our four kids, I’ve worked steadily these past several years but in more low-profile projects. It’s lovely to widen the scope again and be in projects more people will see.
—As told to Maria Neuman
