Jeremy Piven, best recognized for his compelling portrayal of the unyielding talent agent, Ari Gold, in the popular HBO series, ‘Entourage,’ is quite an intriguing personality off-screen. This article reveals 10 lesser-known facts about Piven that create a vivid picture of the man behind the character.
1. Chicago Roots
Piven was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. His affinity for his hometown has made him a lifelong supporter of the Chicago Bears football team.
2. Born Into Theatre
Embedded in a family of actors and drama teachers, Piven had an early exposure to the world of acting. His parents were the founders of the Piven Theatre Workshop, his initial playground to learn and perfect his acting chops.
3. A Drummer at Heart
Piven isn’t only able to act, but he also plays the drums quite expertly. His drumming skills have been exhibited on different live television broadcasts over the years.
4. Health Enthusiast
Piven is an enthusiastic yogi, often spotted leaving yoga studios around Los Angeles. His commitment to wellness is further reflected in his strict dietary regimen which is predominantly plant-based.
5. Roots in Theater
Piven had a rich theater career before making his foray into film and television. His stage presence in critically acclaimed plays, like ‘Fat Pig’ and ‘Speed-the-Plow,’ brought him considerable recognition.
6. Personal Journey on Reality TV
Piven was the star of his reality television series, ‘Jeremy Piven’s Journey of a Lifetime’. The series documented his profound spiritual expedition across India.
7. Mercury Poisoning Incident
In a shocking turn of events in 2008, Piven had to abruptly depart from the Broadway revival show ‘Speed-the-Plow,’ due to severe mercury poisoning. He had reportedly consumed large amounts of sushi over time.
8. Long-term Friendship with John Cusack
Piven’s strong bond with renowned actor John Cusack dates back to their teenage years. They nurtured their passion for acting together at the Piven Theatre Workshop.
9. Skilled Football Player
Piven not only loves watching football but also enjoys playing the sport. His high school life saw him actively involved in the school’s football team. Since then, he has occasionally participated in various celebrity football events.
10. Entrepreneurial Footsteps
Adding to his bright portfolio, Piven has his own production company, Luscious Jackson, founded in the early 2000s. He has been associated with the production and co-production of numerous films and TV shows.
The Jeremy Piven Store
Jeremy Piven fans can purchase merchandise influenced by the actor’s style and his iconic characters in different productions. The store features everything from T-shirts, caps, and other accessories to mugs, puzzles, and toys. The merchandise is available in different colors and sizes. Jeremy Piven store also offers personalized items for customers who want their name or a message of their choice on the product.
Conclusion
Jeremy Piven’s life outside ‘Entourage’ is just as compelling as his role in the series. These lesser-known facts clearly show Piven’s multifarious persona beyond his acting career — shedding light on his eclectic talents, personal convictions, and entrepreneurial ventures.
