Actor Jeremy Piven has earned his dues and is reaping the rewards
|||From a high-flying Hollywood agent in Entourage to a genteel entrepreneur in Mr Selfridge, Jeremy Piven is finally getting his just dues as an actor, writes Debashine Thangevelo
THERE was a time in Hollywood when landing a movie cemented your star status. TV was always the poorer cousin. This despite it launching the careers of some of today’s most prolific actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Woody Harrelson, Halle Berry, Johnny Depp and John Travolta. Well, you get the picture.
But, times have changed and the stigma is no more. And the small screen has the biggest coffers today. Movie actors, producer and directors have successfully been lured into TV.
The scripts are ground-breaking, the shows are edgy and mind-blowing, and it’s giving some of Hollywood’s underrated actors their time to shine. Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Damian Lewis (Homeland, Billionaire), Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder) are perfect examples of this trend.
And Jeremy Piven also joins them. Having binge-watched the eight seasons of Entourage, where Piven was cast as Ari Gold, a role that bagged him Emmy and Golden Globe honours, I finally understood all the praise heaped on him.
Piven comes from a fine acting pedigree. His parents were actors and drama teachers and as such, he understood the art form better than most. He trained at several renowned theatre institutes before venturing into film and TV as a regular cast member on HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show.
When he started making noticeable footprints, the film offers became more substantial. He got bigger roles and worked with some of the most influential stars.
However, while his performances were praised, he never quite found the limelight that should have come with it.
Entourage, in many ways, was a game changer in his career. He played his Jewish, money-loving, foul-mouthed, hard-core and tenacious acting agent character with dexterity. His perfectly tailored wardrobe exuded confidence and he had the gift of the gab and worked it. He played hardball and tackled problems like a politician on a campaign run – with cunning and charm. He covered the gamut of emotions from everything between I’m-close-to-having-a-heart-attack frustrated to I’m-the-man elated.
He played the role with such gravitas that the industry not only watched in awe – they sang his praises.
And they still are, with Piven exuding his genteel finesse in BBC First’s Mr Selfridge. The series, now in season three in South Africa, is in a similar vein to Downton Abbey: marvellously cast, excellent storytelling, authentic sets and costumes and wonderfully directed.
The 50-year-old is having a blast slipping into the skin of US entrepreneur and department store owner, Harry Selfridge, in a tale that’s based on Lindy Woodhead’s novel, Shopping, Seduction & Mr Selfridge.
“I love being recognised as Harry Selfridge. It’s great that people are watching the character I am playing. The production team and cast are very proud of the work we have done in creating Harry’s world. People seem to resonate and love the period in which this is set. It’s evident just by how many countries we sell it too – over 100 around the world,” he says.
Piven continues: “I have spent the past three years in England and feel very lucky to have been welcomed with opens arms. I feel like an honorary Brit. London is like a second home to me.”
The third instalment is set in 1919, just after the end of World War I.
It opens on a heavy note as Harry is mourning the loss of his wife.
The actor enthuses: “We are really getting to it this series, more than ever. I believe it’s the best series we have done. It’s really challenging as an actor, but that’s what you look for in a role. It’s great to be constantly challenged. The series is full of drama and based on true events. I feel like nothing is crazier than the truth, especially when it comes to Harry’s life. It begins on a sad note as Rose has died. She was the love of Harry’s life, no matter what. Her passing is devastating to him. Harry does anything he can to not be still.”
However, there is a celebration not long after – his daughter Rosalie marries Serge Dee Bolotoff, a Russian prince. Harry, however, does have a few misgivings about him being the right man for his daughter. But that’s just another thing he has to deal with – along with his second daughter, Violette, desperately wanting to work in the store. And her rebellious behaviour doesn’t help her cause.
On working with sibling actresses, Kara and Hannah Tointon, who join the cast as his daughters, Piven says: “Kara and Hannah both have this incredible energy and are so easy to get along with. They are really professional and great at what they do. I think we are incredibly lucky as the new cast are fantastic. Leon (Ockenden), who plays Serge, and Zoë (Wanamaker), who plays Princess Marie, are hugely talented.”
There are many interesting developments at home and at the store, but none more intriguing than the arrival of businesswoman Nancy Webb (Kelly Adams).
Mr Selfridge airs on BBC First (DStv channel 119) on Sundays at 9pm.