Jeremy Piven Movies: A List of His Best Performances

Jeremy Piven
10 min readJan 10, 2024

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Jeremy Piven

Jeremy Piven is an award-winning actor who has made a name for himself in Hollywood with his impressive performances in various movies and TV shows. He has won several awards and nominations for his outstanding work in the entertainment industry. Piven is known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters with ease.

Some of Piven’s most popular movies include “Grosse Pointe Blank,” “The Family Man,” “Black Hawk Down,” and “Runaway Jury.” In these movies, he has played a variety of roles, from a hitman to a lawyer, showcasing his range as an actor. Piven has also made cameo appearances in several movies, including “Rush Hour 2” and “Cars.”

In addition to his movie work, Piven is also well-known for his role as Ari Gold in the hit TV series “Entourage.” He won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the character and was nominated for numerous other awards. Piven’s talent and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Early Career Highlights

Jeremy Piven is an award-winning American actor who has been active in the entertainment industry for over three decades. Piven’s early career highlights include his performances in various movies and television shows, which helped him establish himself as a talented actor.

One of Piven’s earliest roles was in the 1986 film “Lucas,” where he played the role of Spike, a high school football player. He then went on to appear in several other films, including “Say Anything” (1989) and “The Grifters” (1990), where he played supporting roles.

In 1992, Piven starred in the film “Singles,” which was directed by Cameron Crowe. The film received critical acclaim and helped to further establish Piven as a talented actor. He then went on to appear in several other successful films, including “Grosse Pointe Blank” (1997), “Very Bad Things” (1998), and “The Family Man” (2000).

Piven’s early television career highlights include his role as Spence Kovak in the sitcom “Ellen” (1994–1998). He also had a recurring role in the HBO series “The Larry Sanders Show” (1992–1998), where he played the character of Jerry Capen.

Overall, Piven’s early career highlights showcase his versatility as an actor and his ability to play a wide range of roles in both film and television.

Breakthrough Role in ‘Entourage’

Jeremy Piven gained substantial recognition and facilitated his rise in Hollywood with his breakthrough role as ‘Ari Gold’ on HBO’s hit series, “Entourage.” The show, which premiered in 2004, gave viewers an engaging and behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous world of Hollywood through the experiences of actor Vincent Chase and his tight-knit group of friends and colleagues.

Piven played the fast-talking Hollywood agent Ari Gold, who was known for his aggressive and cut-throat approach to business. He brought a dynamic range and intense performance to the character, making him a fan favorite and earning him widespread critical acclaim.

Due to his impressive performance throughout the series, Piven won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film three times in a row from 2006 to 2008. He was also nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Piven’s portrayal of Ari Gold on “Entourage” cemented his status as a talented and versatile actor, and he has continued to appear in numerous films and television shows since the series ended in 2011. His performance in “Entourage” will always be remembered as one of his most iconic and memorable roles.

Filmography

Jeremy Piven is a renowned actor who has been featured in several blockbuster movies. He has won several awards for his outstanding performances in movies and TV shows. Here is a breakdown of his filmography:

Leading Roles

Jeremy Piven has played leading roles in several movies, including:

  • Serendipity (2001)
  • The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009)
  • I Melt with You (2011)

In Serendipity, Piven plays the character of Dean Kansky, a friend of the main character, Jonathan Trager (John Cusack). In The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, he plays the role of Don Ready, a used-car liquidator. In I Melt with You, he plays the character of Ron, a successful doctor who reunites with his college friends for a weekend of partying.

Supporting Roles

Piven has also played several supporting roles in movies, including:

  • Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
  • The Family Man (2000)
  • Black Hawk Down (2001)
  • Heat (1995)

In Grosse Pointe Blank, he plays the role of Paul Spericki, a rival hitman to the main character, Martin Blank (John Cusack). In The Family Man, he plays the role of Arnie, a colleague of the main character, Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage). In Black Hawk Down, he plays the role of Cliff “Elvis” Wolcott, a US Army Ranger. In Heat, he plays the role of Dr. Bob, a friend of the main character, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro).

Cameo Appearances

Piven has also made cameo appearances in several movies, including:

  • Rush Hour 2 (2001)
  • Cars (2006)

In Rush Hour 2, he plays the role of Versace Salesman. In Cars, he plays the role of Harv, a 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

Awards and Nominations

Emmy Awards

Jeremy Piven is a highly acclaimed actor who has won many awards and nominations throughout his career. One of his most notable achievements is his success at the Emmy Awards. Piven has been nominated for a total of six Emmy Awards, winning three times for his role as Ari Gold in the hit series Entourage.

Piven’s first Emmy win came in 2006 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He went on to win the same award in 2007 and 2008, cementing his status as one of the most talented actors in the industry.

Golden Globe Awards

In addition to his success at the Emmy Awards, Jeremy Piven has also been recognized for his outstanding work at the Golden Globe Awards. He has been nominated for a total of four Golden Globe Awards, winning once for his role in Entourage.

Piven’s Golden Globe win came in 2008 for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television. This was a well-deserved win for Piven, who had already established himself as one of the most talented actors in the industry.

Overall, Jeremy Piven’s numerous awards and nominations are a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to his craft. He has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, and his many fans and admirers eagerly await his next project.

Collaborations with Notable Directors

Jeremy Piven has collaborated with several notable directors throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Here are some of his most memorable collaborations:

Mark Pellington

Piven’s collaboration with Mark Pellington in the movie “I Melt with You” was highly acclaimed. The movie tells the story of four college friends who reunite after many years and are forced to confront their past mistakes. Piven’s performance in the movie was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he was able to showcase his dramatic range.

Doug Ellin

Jeremy Piven’s role as Ari Gold in the hit TV series “Entourage” was one of his most iconic performances. The show was created by Doug Ellin, who also directed several episodes of the series. Piven’s portrayal of the foul-mouthed Hollywood agent earned him several awards, including three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Shira Piven

Jeremy Piven’s collaboration with his sister, director Shira Piven, resulted in the movie “The Performance.” The movie tells the story of a Jewish tap dancer who is struggling to find his place in the world. Piven’s performance in the movie was praised for its depth and nuance, and he was able to showcase his dancing skills as well as his acting abilities.

Peter Berg

Piven’s collaboration with director Peter Berg in the movie “Very Bad Things” was controversial, but it showcased his ability to play darker characters. The movie tells the story of a group of friends who accidentally kill a stripper during a bachelor party and then try to cover up the crime. Piven’s performance in the movie was praised for its intensity and he was able to showcase his range as an actor.

Jeremy Piven’s collaborations with these notable directors have resulted in some of his most memorable performances. His ability to take on a variety of roles and work with different directors is a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Genre Versatility

Jeremy Piven is an award-winning actor known for his versatility in various genres of film and television. He has appeared in numerous movies, including comedy, drama, action, and romance.

In the comedy genre, Piven has demonstrated his exceptional comedic timing and delivery. He starred in “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard” as Don Ready, an extraordinary salesman who saves a car dealership from bankruptcy. He also appeared in the comedy film “Old School” as Dean Gordon Pritchard, a dean who tries to shut down a fraternity house.

In the drama genre, Piven has shown his ability to portray complex characters with depth and emotion. He starred in “The Kingdom” as Adam Leavitt, an FBI agent investigating a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia. He also appeared in “Black Hawk Down” as Cliff Wolcott, a pilot who was shot down during a mission in Somalia.

In the action genre, Piven has demonstrated his physicality and athleticism. He appeared in “Smokin’ Aces” as Buddy “Aces” Israel, a Las Vegas magician who becomes a target of assassins. He also appeared in “Heat” as Dr. Bob, a psychiatrist who treats a criminal mastermind played by Robert De Niro.

In the romance genre, Piven has shown his romantic side and his ability to play the leading man. He starred in “Serendipity” as Dean Kansky, a man who falls in love with a woman he meets by chance. He also appeared in “Singles” as Doug Hughley, a musician looking for love in Seattle.

Overall, Jeremy Piven’s genre versatility has made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood. His ability to bring depth, humor, and emotion to his performances has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.

Critical Reception

Jeremy Piven is an actor who has received a lot of critical acclaim for his performances in various movies. He has been nominated for several awards and has won many of them. In this section, we will take a look at some of the critical reception of his movies.

Awards and Nominations

Jeremy Piven has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He has won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Ari Gold in the television series “Entourage.” He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Golden Globe Award, and the Satellite Award.

Box Office Success

Jeremy Piven has appeared in several successful movies throughout his career. Some of his highest-grossing movies include “The Kingdom,” “Black Hawk Down,” and “Serendipity.” These movies have received positive reviews from critics and have been successful at the box office.

Critical Acclaim

Jeremy Piven has received critical acclaim for his performances in several movies. In “Grosse Pointe Blank,” he played a psychotic hitman and received praise for his performance. In “The Family Man,” he played a Wall Street executive and received positive reviews for his portrayal of the character. In “Smokin’ Aces,” he played a Las Vegas magician and received praise for his performance.

Overall, Jeremy Piven has received critical acclaim for his performances in various movies. He has won several awards and has been nominated for many more. His movies have been successful at the box office and have received positive reviews from critics.

Influence on Modern Cinema

Jeremy Piven’s impact on modern cinema is multifaceted. He has been a part of many successful movies and TV shows, which have contributed to the evolution of the entertainment industry. His performances have inspired many actors and filmmakers to push the boundaries of their craft.

Piven’s ability to adapt to a wide range of genres has made him a versatile actor. He has starred in comedies like “Old School” and “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard,” as well as dramas like “Runaway Jury” and “Serendipity.” This versatility has made him a valuable asset to the film industry.

Piven’s most famous role as Ari Gold in the hit HBO series “Entourage” has had a significant impact on modern cinema. The show, which followed the lives of a group of young actors and their agent, was a cultural phenomenon. It helped to popularize the idea of Hollywood agents as powerful and influential figures, and it showcased the inner workings of the entertainment industry.

Piven’s portrayal of Ari Gold was a masterclass in acting. His ability to balance the character’s brash, loud-mouthed personality with moments of vulnerability and humanity made him a fan favorite. The character has become an iconic figure in modern pop culture, and has inspired many other characters in film and television.

Overall, Jeremy Piven’s impact on modern cinema cannot be overstated. His performances have entertained and inspired audiences around the world, and his contributions to the entertainment industry have helped to shape it into what it is today.

Personal Life and Off-Screen Work

Jeremy Piven is an award-winning actor who has not only made a name for himself in the entertainment industry but has also been involved in various philanthropic activities. Piven has been an advocate for various causes, including environmental conservation, animal rights, and cancer research.

In 2008, Piven donated $50,000 to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to support their efforts to protect the environment. He has also been an active supporter of animal rights organizations such as PETA and has been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about animal cruelty.

Apart from his philanthropic activities, Piven is also a practicing Buddhist and has been known to meditate regularly. He has credited his practice of Buddhism for helping him deal with the stresses of his career and personal life.

In addition to his off-screen work, Piven is also an accomplished stage actor and has appeared in several Broadway productions, including “Speed-the-Plow” and “The Entertainer.” He has also lent his voice to several animated films and TV shows, including “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons.”

Overall, Jeremy Piven’s personal life and off-screen work reflect his dedication to making a positive impact on the world. His philanthropic activities and spiritual practice demonstrate his commitment to giving back, while his work in the entertainment industry showcases his talent and versatility as an actor.

Resources:

https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/jeremy-piven-24706033

https://hollywoodlife.com/2023/10/17/jeremy-piven/

https://www.psucollegian.com/studentreviews/jeremy-piven/article_982743c4-f355-11ed-b623-4f16bbefa773.html

https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/jeremy-piven/credits/3000397119/

https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12799-jeremy-piven?language=en-US

https://medium.com/@jeremypiven1/who-is-jeremy-piven-a29a0d7c2f79

https://medium.com/@jeremypiven1/jeremy-piven-movies-and-tv-shows-b08b8bddbdc2

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Jeremy Piven

Jeremy Piven is a highly acclaimed American actor known for his exceptional talent and versatility on both stage and screen. #jeremypiven