Mira Sorvino Reveals Her Touching Motivation for 'Dancing with the Stars'

Mira Sorvino

When Mira Sorvino was invited to join the celebrity dancers for Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, she really didn’t hesitate. Not because she thought she was such a great dancer, but because it was something that would have made her father proud.

Paul Sorvino died of natural causes at age 83 in Jacksonville, Fla., in July 2022, but one of his great pleasures in life was watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies with his daughter.

Related: Goodfellas Actor Paul Sorvino Dead at 83

So, in tribute to her dad, the Romy and Michele's High School Reunion star said yes.

“My dad was very light on his feet for a big guy,” she exclusively told Parade last week after DWTS aired on Tuesday night. “My dad was 6-feet 3½-inches and then he shrunk over time as people do. But for a heavyset person, he was very light on his feet, and he adored Fred Astaire. He met him one day. He said after he talked with him—and Fred Astaire was very gracious—he said he felt like he was floating down the street afterwards because it was an amazing experience to get to meet this man who defies gravity. So, he would be excited that I was here.”

For her time in the ballroom, Mira is partnered with Gleb Savchenko, who has yet to win a mirrorball trophy but made DWTS history last season when he was partnered with Shangela, and this week the duo are preparing to dance the rumba to “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye for Motown Night.

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“Gleb [Savchenko] has made a story to the dance and I am very happy to have a story in the dance because as an actress, it is easier than [she uses an announcer’s voice], ‘Mira dancing the salsa,’” she told Parade. “I can play the scene of the dance better than just the steps because that’s more my cup of tea.”

Last week for Latin Night, Mira and Gleb danced the salsa to “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias and earned 18 out of 30 points from the judges. That was one point improved from the premiere night when they received a 17 for their cha cha to "Kiss" by Prince and the Revolution.

Dancing with the Stars simulcasts live across both ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and next day on Hulu.

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