Biography

An intense and hyperactive stage-trained character actor, Jeremy Piven is best known for his role in the hit HBO series 'Entourage.' Piven was born in Manhattan and raised in Evanston, Illinois to parents Byrne Piven and Joyce Hiller Piven on July 26, 1965.

Piven got interested in acting at an early age due to his parents involvement with theatre. They founded the Piven Theatre Workshop. The company has nurtured actors like John and Joan Cusack, Rosanna Arquette and Aidan Quinn.

Hollywood Calling
Pievn appeared in features such as 'Lucas' (1986) and 'Say Anything' (1989) where he teamed with his childhood friend John Cussak. He went on to appear in 'The Grifters' (1990) and 'Bob Roberts' (1992).

While Piven's career was still on an upswing, he landed small roles in big budget films such as 'White Palace' (1990), 'Singles' (1992), 'Miami Rhapsody,' and 'Heat' (both 1995). He also played meatier roles in smaller films that included 'The Player' (1992), the romantic story 'Together' (1992) and the action movie 'Judgment Night' (1993). In 1995, Piven acted in 'Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde.' From 1995 to 1997, Piven did some low-budget films that didn't make any noise at the Box Office. All these films added weight to his resume, but box office success was far away from his grasp, still.

Piven decided to make the right move and opted for the small screen. He appeared on the variety series, 'Carol & Company' (1990-91). He made a series of guest appearances in hit TV shows such as 'Seinfeld' (1990-98), and 'Chicago Hope' (1994-2000).

Piven got the first real chance to make an identity for himself on the HBO's hit 'The Larry Sander Show' (1992-98). As the over the top writer Jerry Capen, Piven mastered the character exceptionally.

Again, in 1995, Piven got the chance to reprise his 'Larry Sanders' bravado by co-starring with Ellen DeGeneres in the show 'Ellen.' He played Ellen's grating and obnoxious cousin Spence Kovak from 1994-98. He also acted in 'Cupid' (1998) and 'Partners' (1999).

Nevertheless, theater has remained Piven's passion and he found time for stage work. With Cussak, he formed the theatre company, New Criminals. Piven's friendship with Cussak also proved to be fruitful, as he became the preferred sidekick to the then bigger star in several of Cussak's films such as 'Gross Pointe Blank' (1997), romantic 'Serendipity' (2001), and potboiler 'Runaway Jury' (2003).

Piven went on to do some other movies playing character roles in dramas such as 'Kiss the Girls' (1997), the HBO biopic 'Don King: Only In America' (1998), 'Very Bad Things' (1998), 'The Family Man' (2000), 'Rush Hour 2' (2001) and 'Black Hawk Down' (2001). Come 2003, Piven acted to perfect the role of a comic villain in the hit comedy 'Old School.'

Unknown to the fact that his acting career was about to change completely, Piven bagged the biggest role in his career when the HBO series 'Entourage' debuted in 2004. Piven was such a standout that he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series and an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 2005. Though he failed to win any awards that year, Piven finally received his well-deserved 'Entourage' Emmy in 2006 for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Trivia
Played a secret service agent in the comedy 'Chasing Liberty.'
Was cast opposite Al Pacino in the sports gambling drama 'Two for the Money.'

Achievements
Received an Emmy (2006) for his role as Ari Gold in 'Entourage.'

Past Projects
RocknRolla.... Roman
The Kingdom.... Damon Schmidt
Smokin' Aces.... Buddy Israel
Entourage (TV).... Ari GoldRock Rivers
Two for the Money.... Jerry
Scary Movie 3.... Ross Giggins
Runaway Jury.... Lawrence Green
Old School.... Dean Gordon 'Cheese' Pritchard
Black Hawk Down.... CWO Cliff 'Elvis' Wolcott
Serendipity.... Dean Kansky
Rush Hour 2.... Versace Salesman
The Family Man.... Arnie

Jeremy Piven was born in New York City on July 26, 1965.
Name: Jeremy Piven
Date of Birth: July 26th 1965
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)

Talent Agency: William Morris Agency
One William Morris Pl.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
USA

"It's your job as an actor to fill out the blanks. I love doing that. To fill in the bones. I'm a stage actor. That is what I do."

Jeremy Piven