The English phrase “behind the curtain” suggests there’s much more going on that meets the eye. It’s a common saying, likely born of the theater world, that references the invisible operations behind what appears on stage to an audience. It’s a similar sentiment to the Wizard of Oz telling Dorothy and her companions to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain—he’s only pulling the strings of the magical wish-granting spectacle.
For the past four decades, Piven has been quietly tinkering away at his craft Jeremy Piven, working hard to create his own magic in films and television. He’s an introspective, thoughtful Chicago thespian who relishes taking a screenplay and molding its characters into life. In the case of Entourage, he turned the foul-mouthed, hyper-aggressive Hollywood agent Ari Gold into TV’s most likable power broker.
His work on Entourage also launched the careers of co-stars like Kate Walsh, Lili Taylor and Aidan Quinn. Piven’s sister, Shira, is a successful Broadway actress and director and his brother-in-law is writer-director Adam McKay, who directed Talladega Nights and Anchorman. Piven himself has a deep connection to the theater, having attended the prestigious Piven Theatre Workshop in his hometown of Evanston, Ill.
He’s an alumnus of the theater school, which he says was “an invaluable training ground for actors,” but his real passion is stand-up comedy. He recently toured the country with his show, flexing a comedic muscle that’s not always easy for actors to transition into.
Despite the recent attention surrounding his sexual misconduct allegations, Piven is determined to move forward with his career. He continues to produce his podcast, How U Livin’ J Piven, with Kast Media and has been touring the country bringing his stand-up act to audiences across the continental United States.
In his new show, Jeremy brings his signature wit to subjects ranging from politics to celebrity feuds in a style that’s often profane and unapologetic. His recent tour has included high-profile guests like Jamie Foxx, Tiffany Haddish and Mark Cuban.
The actor may be a little prickly at times, bristling when he thinks his interviewer has misread him or making it clear he doesn’t want to discuss the sexual misconduct accusations that have surrounded him, but he’s also a true craftsman who knows how to elicit powerful performances and make a difference in the lives of those around him. It’s what the theater has taught him, and it’s why he keeps on coming back to his craft.