Golden Globe-winning actor Jeremy Piven, celebrated for his dynamic portrayals of characters like the fiery agent Ari Gold in *Entourage* and the pioneering retailer Harry Selfridge in *Mr. Selfridge*, is set to arrive in New Zealand for the first time in July. Bringing his high-energy stand-up comedy to Kiwi audiences, Piven recently shared insights into his multifaceted career, the sometimes-bizarre reality of fan recognition, and the deep-seated influences that shaped his path.
Piven is no stranger to embodying larger-than-life personalities, but few have resonated quite like Ari Gold. The character’s explosive rants and demanding nature led to frequent fan requests for Piven to replicate the persona, often in inconvenient moments. He humorously recalled one infamous instance where a fan approached him *while at a urinal*, asking for an expletive-laden outburst.
While initially finding these persistent demands jarring – “It can get very awkward,” he admits – Piven reveals a shift in perspective. He now views these encounters, no matter how strange, as a powerful affirmation. **”I really see it as a gift,”** he explains, recognizing that such strong reactions signify how profoundly his work has connected with and moved people. It’s a lesson in managing frustration and appreciating the impact of his craft.
Following the intensity of *Entourage*, Piven took a significant turn with the British period drama *Mr. Selfridge*, a role he describes as a “complete 180.” He remains genuinely surprised by the show’s enduring popularity in New Zealand, noting its comparatively limited traction in the United States. Piven attributes this disparity partly to distribution choices, explaining that the UK producers opted for PBS in the US – a public broadcaster lacking the advertising budget of major streaming platforms like Amazon or Netflix, which limited its visibility stateside.
His time filming in the UK also led to a memorable, slightly awkward fan interaction. Two British fans, impressed by his performance as the American Harry Selfridge, were astonished to learn Piven himself wasn’t British. Mistaking his name “Jeremy” as a sign of UK origin, they playfully retracted their praise upon discovering he was American, jokingly calling him a “s*** actor” for not needing to use an accent.
Piven’s career is marked by remarkable versatility, spanning from gritty crime thrillers like *Sin City: A Dame To Kill For* to family-friendly fare such as *Spy Kids: All The Time In The World*. Yet, he emphasizes that his heart retains a **deep-seated passion for live performance and the stage**. Having started acting in theatre at just eight years old and honing his skills through improv – which he describes as “writing on your feet” – this foundation has proven invaluable for his successful move into stand-up comedy. He likens his varied background to that of Kiwi athletes like Israel Adesanya or Joseph Parker, suggesting that diverse training grounds ultimately contribute to overall success.
A pivotal influence throughout his life and career was his mother, the renowned acting coach and theatre director Joyce Piven, who sadly passed away earlier this year. While not one for explicit advice, her insights and natural approach profoundly impacted him. **”She was a true artist until her last breath,”** Piven reflects, feeling fortunate to have learned from her. He highlights her empowering philosophy, particularly her emphasis on self-acceptance and the importance of approaching performance with confidence and playfulness: **”She would always empower us by saying that you are enough.”** Theatre games and her guidance instilled crucial self-belief and skills that propelled him forward.
As Jeremy Piven prepares for his New Zealand debut, his stand-up promises to draw upon this rich tapestry of experiences – from navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood fame and fan interactions to the fundamental lessons learned on the stage and from the guiding influence of his mother.
