Jeremy Piven, who won a Golden Globe for his memorable role as Ari Gold in HBO’s series, has shared insights about his life beyond that fame. He spoke candidly about everything from awkward interactions with fans to how his mother, Joyce Piven, a director, shaped his career journey.
In a conversation with New Zealand Herald, Piven reminisced about how frequently fans approach him, often expecting him to provide autographs with exaggerated enthusiasm, sometimes in less-than-ideal situations. “Anger is really a punishment you impose on yourself for someone else’s actions—like burning your Tesla,” he commented humorously. “I mean, I’m in the restroom; could you hold on for a moment?” Initially, he found such interruptions frustrating, but he has since changed his perspective. “It can be really challenging, but I’ve learned to manage my anger. Now, I actually view it as a blessing… that this person was touched by what I did.”
Piven surprised many with his move to a more dramatic role in the series Mr. Selfridge, where he portrayed retail pioneer Harry Selfridge from 2013 to 2016. Despite its acclaim in the UK, the show struggled to gain traction in the U.S. “In the UK, they conduct business the traditional way. They’re decent folks,” he mentioned. “Instead of being startled by platforms like Amazon or Netflix, they partnered with PBS… and because of that lack of marketing, a lot of people in America haven’t seen it.”
This role brought him accolades, accompanied by some bemusement. “They would say, ‘Oh my God, you’re incredible… wait, are you American? And then you’re doing this whole *** act?’” he chuckled, noting that some fans misinterpreted his accent.
Having grown up in Chicago, Piven feels his late mother ignited his passion for acting. “She offered invaluable insights, not by overwhelming me with advice, but just by being who she was,” he reflected. “She remained a true artist until the very end. I consider myself fortunate to have known her.”
Piven’s current project, a film based on Arthur Miller’s short story about a Jewish dancer in 1930s Berlin, is another testament to her influence. “She passed this project to me, saying, ‘This is a fantastic role for you.’ When she said something, you knew she meant it. It’s directed by my aunt, Silla Piven.”
Despite an extensive list of film credits—from Spy Kids to Sin City—the stage holds a special place in his heart. “I was eight years old when I first stepped onto a stage,” he said. “I was improvising, writing comedy—just doing all these creative things on the spot.”
As he continues on his path, Piven cherishes a final lesson imparted by his mother. “The last book I gave her before she passed was Four Agreements; one key takeaway was to be a person of your word and not to compare yourself to others.”
