As any Chicago theatergoer knows, the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston is a big deal. In fact, with the success of its abundant stars-like Joan and John Cusack, Aidan Quinn and Lara Flynn Boyle-it is no local secret either.
Then again, there are the many other workshop graduates who toil in obscurity; and one, in particular, who just couldn’t seem to seize that gold ring, despite roles in dozens of films and countless television shows.
Then Ari Gold and the HBO show “Entourage” came along. In an ironic twist on the American dream, a guy who can’t get famous finally gets famous by playing a guy who makes someone else famous. That guy, Jeremy Piven, is the subject of this week’s cover story.
While reporting the story, Tony Adler was surprised by how Piven has held on to the aggressive attitude he showed as a high school football player.
“A good football player makes use of his anger,” reflects Tony. “It’s a tool that helps him run people over on the field, and I think Piven’s retained some of that-though I also think he’s a lot more ambivalent toward it now than when he was younger.”
Final assessments, however, are best left with mothers. “His mother told me,” recalled Tony, ” ‘I think he has more to learn about himself; to be more introspective and have time for it.’ “
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CHANGING THE WORLD
We’re planning an issue on things that can be done, one day at a time and for little or no money, to make the world a better place. We’d like to hear your recommendations, or to hear about people who are taking small but significant steps to improve the lives of others. Do you know someone who regularly cooks for an elderly neighbor? Delivers home-grown vegetables to a local shelter? Feeds other people’s parking meters? Please send your nominations to tribmag@tribune.com.
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etaylor@tribune.com
