Jeremy Samuel Piven is a popular American television and film actor who rose to nationwide prominence for his performance in the multiple award-winning HBO Comedy series ‘Entourage’ in which he essays he character of Hollywood agent Ari Gold. Piven also gained acclaim in the United Kingdom when he starred as Harry Selfridge, the renowned founder of the UK Department store chain Selfridge & Co in the biographical drama series ‘Mr. Selfridge’. He also appeared as Spencer Kovac along with Ellen DeGeneres in the sitcom ‘Ellen’ that aired on ABC.
Piven’s portrayal of Ari Gold has earned him 3 consecutive Prime-time Emmy Awards out of 4 consecutive nominations, in addition to winning a Golden Globe Award for the same role. Piven successfully transitioned into a career in feature films and has appeared in brief or supporting roles in various films including ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’, ‘Serendipity’, ‘Black Hawk Down’, ‘Smokin’ Aces’ among others.
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Early Life and Education
Piven was born in the city of Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA on the 26th of July 1965 as the only son of Joyce Hiller Goldstein and her husband Bryne Piven. Both of Piven’s served as stage actors who also taught drama through their company the Piven Theatre Workshop, where Piven underwent acting training. Piven and his sister Shira were raised in a Reconstructionist Jewish home in Evanston, Illinois. He is of Ukrainian descent.
Piven first studied at the Evanston Township High School and moved to Harand Theater Camp in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin after graduation. Piven spent his sophomore year attending Drake University in Des Moines but later shifted to New York University to attend the Tisch School of the Arts. He also attended the National Theatre Institute, Waterford, Connecticut where he completed a semester.
Career Rise
Piven debuted on the silver screen with the 1986 film made ‘Lucas’ but received his first big role in the year 1992 when he was cast on HBO’s ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ in which he essayed the character of head writer Jerry, which was a regular, supporting role. He also appeared as George Costanza in the fourth season finale episode of the popular series ‘Seinfeld’s. Piven essayed Spence Kovac, a cousin of the lead character Ellen Morgan, portrayed by Ellen DeGeneres in the 3rd, 4th and 5th season of the ABC sitcom ‘Ellen’. He also served as the producer of the series ‘Cupid’ on ABC in which he also acted.
In 2004, Piven was cast in the role of the fast-talking Hollywood agent Ari Gold on the multiple Emmy Award winning HBO comedy series ‘Entourage’ which earned him tremendous acclaim. Piven received nominations for four consecutive years at the Emmy Awards from 2004-2008 and won three consecutive Emmys from 2006-2008 in the Best supporting actor category. He also received 6 consecutive Golden Globe nominations from 2005 to 2010 and won the award in 2008. Piven has continued to appear in several movies simultaneously, with films like ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’, ‘Black Hawk Down’, ‘Heat’, ‘Rock N Rolla’, ‘Serendipity’, and ‘Runaway Jury’ being some of the most successful ones. In 2008, Piven started in the Broadway revival of David Mamet’s play ‘Speed-the-Plow’ featuring Elizabeth Moss and Raul Esparza. From 2013-2016, Piven appeared in the lead role of Harry Selfridge, who owned the British department store chain Selfridge & Co in the biographical British period series ‘Mr. Selfridge’.
Personal Life
Piven courted controversy in late October 2017, when he was accused by actress Ariane Bellamar of repeated se*ual harassment and assault. Later, ‘Longmire’ actress Cassidy Freeman also spoke out against Piven claiming he showed “predatory behaviour”. Piven issued a written statement denying stating “I unequivocally deny the appalling allegations being peddled about me. It did not happen”.
Piven resides in Malibu, California. He endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2016 US Presidential Elections.
Jeremy Piven – Net Worth
Piven has an estimated net worth of approximately $20 Million.
