Jeremy: 'Madonna is a beast'
Jeremy Piven, 43, won his highest profile role four years ago when he started playing showbiz agent Ari Gold in TV's Entourage, and he scooped an Emmy and a Golden Globe award for his role. After several small TV shows and the occasional big film, such as Black Hawk Down, he can now be seen in RocknRolla. A new series of Entourage is out on DVD.
How did you end up in Guy Ritchie’s film, RocknRolla?
I was in Cannes when I read the script and I just wanted to be a part of the movie, in any way, shape or form. I begged and tried to bribe Guy and, somehow, I made it into the movie.
Why were you so keen to do it?
I just wanted to take the ride and it didn’t disappoint, that’s for sure.
Why do you always take your mum down the red carpet?
I’m just close to my mother. She’s a great, strong woman. She was my acting teacher from the time I was eight, so if there’s something that involves being honoured for acting in any way, it seems appropriate to bring her because she nurtured what I do. I come from a theatre family, so I feel lucky that I get to share my success with them. I’m having the time of my life and I’m very grateful.
Does your mum still give you acting tips?
She does. With Entourage, I fly on my own. I have a pretty good sense of who Ari is and the world he lives in. With other jobs, I’ll call my mom and we’ll talk it over and discuss what I’ll do at the audition.
You’ve been papped canoodling with ladies. Does that put pressure on a relationship?
It’s tough. You have to be conscious about what’s going on because people are documenting you and your private moments for their own profit and gain. It’s worse now than it’s ever been, so you have to kind of readjust to the new reality.
Do you do things differently knowing you’re going to be followed?
It doesn’t matter when I’m working because I’m usually on set by 6.30am, so there isn’t any time to do anything interesting. I wish I had the energy to go out and get crazy.
What do you like about your character in Entourage?
He can be very abrasive but ultimately he is a loyal husband trying to put food on the table for his family, so that justifies a lot. When people meet me, they always comment on how different I am to Ari. I do yoga and like to be calm, peaceful and even-keeled. I look forward to playing roles that are more like me, kind of like the everyman in the middle of the storm.
What is playing someone so different like?
It’s therapeutic for me. I get to come to work and fire people, clear desks, break computers. I recommend it for anyone. It’s great therapy. The Emmy wins must make you proud. I’m really surprised by any nomination or win because I went under the radar for the first 20 years of my professional life. You kind of get used to that. You get totally used to your anonymity. I looked at it like: ‘OK, I’m playing the abrasive best friend again.’ I feel I’ve been capable of the things you’re seeing from me right now for a long time. It’s been an amazing opportunity and it all still feels new.
You’re doing Speed-The-Plow on Broadway. Madonna did it 20 years ago. Did she have any tips?
Ha ha, no. She was very intimidating. She didn’t have to say anything. She was just Madonna. It’s like she was some sort of wild animal – a wild beast walking into the room. It’s like, there she is – it’s Madonna! I actually did speak to David Mamet [the writer] about her and he said he was absolutely blown away by how professional she was in the play. He said she was totally on her game, more so than the rest of the stage actors. I wish I could have seen the production.
What’s your ideal day off?
I’m a lot more boring than you might expect. I like to go outdoors, run around and enjoy the day. That is always incredible to me. Because I grew up in this incredibly cold climate in Chicago, living in California and being able to be outside enjoying nature is still amazing to me
