Born:
July 26, 1965
in
New York
Best Known For:
Mr Selfridge.
Early-life:
Born Jeremy Samuel Piven on July 26, 1965, in New York. He has an older sister called Shira who is an actress and film-maker. Jeremy grew up in a suburb of Chicago where his parents, Byrne and Joyce, ran the Piven Theatre Workshop; the Cusack siblings - John, Joan and Ann - all trained there. Jeremy and John have been friends ever since. Following a spell at Drake University in Iowa, he embarked on his professional acting career.
Career:
Piven's debut movie was 1986's Lucas, but he didn't have a significant screen role until 1992, when he landed a regular part in The Larry Sanders Show. He became a household name thanks to a three-year stint on Ellen, and followed that with his own series, Cupid. Also on TV he gained plaudits for his role as agent Ari in Entourage, while Mr Selfridge has made him a star in the UK. Piven's films include Singles, Black Hawk Down, Rush Hour 2, RocknRolla and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! He's also appeared in many of John Cusack's movies, such as Say Anything, Grosse Pointe Blank, Serendipity and Runaway Jury.
Quote:
"It's your job as an actor to fill out the blanks. I love doing that. To fill in the bones."
Trivia:
He supports the Chicago Bears American football team.