Jeremy Piven: A Look at His Early Days
Jeremy Piven is an American actor, comedian, and producer who rose to fame in the late 1990s-early 2000s as a result of his performance as Ari Gold in the HBO series "Entourage." While most people know him limited to his television work and blockbuster movies like "The Kingdom" and "Smokin' Aces," hardly any are conscious that Piven's career started on stage. In this blog post, we'll dive into Jeremy Piven's acting journey, from his early theater performances to his rise to stardom.
Jeremy Samuel Piven began his acting career in the early 1980s, treading the boards in Chicago's prestigious theaters. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the play "The Broadway" which earned him the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. This was followed by a series of lead and supporting roles in shows like "The Glass Menagerie," "Speed-the-Plow," and "The Shawl." Despite his talent and effort, Jeremy Piven struggled to create a name for himself in the theater industry and chose to go on to Los Angeles looking for better opportunities.
In LA, Jeremy Piven landed his first film role in 1986's "Lucas," starring alongside Charlie Sheen and Winona Ryder. However, it wasn't before 1990s that he really started to produce a name for himself in Hollywood, as a result of his scene-stealing performances in movies like "Grosse Pointe Blank," "The Family Man," and "Black Hawk Down." Nonetheless, it absolutely was his portrayal of fictional talent agent Ari Gold in the HBO series "Entourage" that truly catapulted Piven to superstardom. His work on "Entourage" earned him three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, and made him one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
Despite his success on both the tiny and giant screen, Jeremy Piven hasn't forgotten his roots in theater. In reality, he returned to the stage in 2008, starring in David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow" on Broadway. Piven's performance was met with criticism when he left the play shortly before the finish of its run, citing mercury poisoning as the reason behind his departure. Nonetheless, Piven has continued to behave in plays, of late in Harold Pinter's "Betrayal" at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End.
Jeremy Piven is not only an accomplished actor, but additionally a producer. In 2011, he created and starred in the television series "Mr. Selfridge," which chronicled living of the American retail magnate Harry Selfridge. The show ran for four seasons, receiving critical and commercial success. Piven has additionally produced several films, including "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" and "The Pirates! Band of Misfits."
Conclusion:
Jeremy Piven can be an actor who has truly made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, as a result of his work, talent, and versatility. From his early days in Chicago's theater scene, to his breakthrough role in "Entourage," to his recent focus on the West End, Piven has continued to captivate audiences with his performances. While he may have started on stage, Piven has proven he can excel in any medium, including television, film, and even producing. It's this dedication to his craft that's made him one of the most respected and revered actors of our time.