Jeremy Piven has always been a theater kid, but his journey to Hollywood fame wasn't always a straight line. Born into a theatrical family, Jeremy spent his early years performing on stage before landing his breakthrough role as Ari Gold on Entourage in 2004. Now 59, Jeremy exclusively opens up to Closer about the challenges of playing such an iconic character. “People always asked me how much of me was in Ari, and honestly, that used to bother me,” Jeremy shares. “But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that if you play a character authentically, people might confuse it with who you are. The truth is, Ari was a fully fleshed-out character with his own distinct personality.”
Since wrapping up Entourage in 2011, Jeremy hasn’t slowed down. Off-screen, he’s been keeping busy with personal projects, including starring in The Performance, a film directed by his sister, Shira Piven. The movie tells the story of a Jewish dancer in 1930s Berlin, grappling with his values in the face of fame. And if that wasn’t enough, Jeremy is set to return to the road in February with his stand-up comedy act, proving his versatility as an entertainer.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Did you ever feel pressured to follow in your family’s theatrical footsteps?
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“Not at all. My parents never pushed me into the business. In fact, I don’t even remember a specific moment when I decided to join the stage. I was eight years old when I first climbed onto the stage to perform in The Seagull. My parents needed a kid actor, and there I was. My brother, John Cusack, and I would alternate roles each night, and I had the time of my life. It was natural, like breathing.”
Early Influences
Did your parents give you any advice or guidance before you stepped onto the stage?
“Absolutely. My parents instilled in me this belief that I am enough, just as I am. They taught me that I didn’t need to be someone else to contribute to the world. That was incredibly empowering, especially at a young age. I loved being on stage, and they never forced me to pursue acting as a career. It was something I naturally gravitated toward.”
The Turning Point
Was there ever a moment when you realized you wanted to be a professional actor?
“Looking back, I think I took a lot for granted. Growing up in an acting family, I assumed everyone had a theater to perform in. From age eight to eighteen, I spent all my time on the stage at my parents’ theater. When I went off to college, I was surprised to learn that I couldn’t audition for plays during the first semester. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t able to perform. When something is taken away from you, you gain a new perspective. That’s when I realized how much I truly loved acting.”
What would you have done if acting hadn’t worked out?
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“You know, I’ve always had a passion for music. If acting hadn’t been in the cards, I’d probably be out there playing the drums somewhere. Maybe even touring. Music has always been a big part of my life.”
Breaking Into Hollywood
Your early career included a role on The Larry Sanders Show. What was it like working with Garry Shandling?
“Working with Garry Shandling was a dream come true. He was a genius, and that was my first job out of college. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. Garry cared deeply about every aspect of the show. He took immense pride in his work and felt a responsibility to make it the best it could be. He was truly one of the greats, and I’ll always be grateful for the experience.”
You were also part of the cast of Ellen when her character came out. What was that experience like?
“Being part of such a historic moment was incredible. We were all aware that we were making history, and it was a powerful feeling. It was exciting to be involved in something so meaningful.”
Playing Ari Gold
Winning three Emmys for your role as Ari Gold on Entourage must have been a high point. Was it challenging to play a character based on a real person?
“Entourage was an extraordinary experience. Doug Ellin wrote an incredible script, and it was such an honor to bring those monologues to life. We knew that if we didn’t depict the world of Hollywood authentically, we’d hear about it. Even though every word was scripted, it was my job to make it feel spontaneous. Ari Emanuel, the real-life inspiration for the character, is an incredibly successful agent, and there was a lot to draw from. It was a privilege to play such a dynamic role.”
