Jeremy Piven Bio
Jeremy Samuel Piven (born July 26, 1965) is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his role as Ari Gold in the comedy series Entourage, for which he won a Golden Globe Award and three consecutive Emmy Awards. He also played the title role in the British period drama Mr Selfridge, and portrayed Spence Kovak on Ellen DeGeneres’s sitcom Ellen.
Early Life and Background
Jeremy Piven was born in Manhattan to a Reconstructionist Jewish family. His parents, Byrne Piven and Joyce Hiller Piven, were both actors and drama teachers. He has an elder sister, Shira Piven, who is a director and one of his first acting teachers. Piven grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where he graduated from Evanston Township High School. As a teenager, he attended Harand Theater Camp in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where he played Bernardo in West Side Story. In Illinois, he trained at the Piven Theatre Workshop, which was founded by his parents. He later attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, but left after his sophomore year to pursue his acting career at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Path to Hollywood
Piven’s early career included several notable roles. One of his first significant roles was as Spike in the film Lucas (1986). He became a regular cast member on HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show in 1992, playing head writer Jerry. He left the show after the second season, feeling that his character lacked depth. In 1993, he portrayed George Costanza in a scene from the two-part Seinfeld episode “The Pilot”. Piven also had a supporting role in the sitcom Ellen, where he played Ellen’s cousin Spence, and starred in the short-lived ABC dramedy series Cupid. His voice work included voicing Elongated Man in three episodes of Justice League Unlimited.
Jeremy Piven Career
Early Career (1980–2004)
Piven’s career began in the early 1980s, and he achieved significant success beginning in 2004 as the fast-talking Hollywood agent Ari Gold in the HBO series Entourage. His performance earned him critical acclaim, leading to three consecutive Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2006, 2007, and 2008. He also received Golden Globe nominations for the role from 2005 to 2010, winning in 2008. Piven’s film career includes appearances in several notable films such as Judgment Night, Grosse Pointe Blank, and Black Hawk Down.
Breakthrough (2004–2016)
Piven’s portrayal of Ari Gold in Entourage became a defining moment in his career. The character’s sharp wit and acerbic personality resonated with audiences, contributing to the show’s success. He also starred in the British television drama series Mr Selfridge from 2013 to 2016, where he played the title role in a semi-fictional story based on the life of Harry Selfridge, the founder of the London department store Selfridge’s.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jeremy Piven’s signature work includes his role in Entourage, which earned him multiple awards and nominations. His performance in Mr Selfridge further solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of leading both comedic and dramatic roles.
Jeremy Piven Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jeremy Piven has received numerous nominations for his performances, particularly for his role in Entourage, where he was nominated for several Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
Jeremy Piven Awards Won
Jeremy Piven has won several prestigious awards, including three Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Entourage and a Golden Globe Award for the same role.
Jeremy Piven Family
Jeremy Piven’s family includes his parents, Byrne Piven and Joyce Hiller Piven, both of whom were involved in the arts. His sister, Shira Piven, is a director, and his brother-in-law is director Adam McKay.
Personal Life
Piven resides in Malibu, California. He has been involved in various projects outside of acting, including playing drums with the progressive rock band Umphrey’s McGee. Piven is also a fan of the Chicago Bears.
