Jeremy Piven is renowned for his brilliant performance as the loud and ostentatious Ari Gold in HBO’s “Entourage,” a role that brought him three consecutive Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. However, Piven’s expansive filmography extends far beyond this iconic character, hosting several underrated and underappreciated performances that truly demonstrate his versatile acting prowess.
Let’s take a closer look at some of Jeremy Piven’s underrated performances, shining a spotlight on roles that truly demonstrate his skill and range as an actor.
Spence Kovak in “Ellen” (1995-1998)
In this charming sitcom, Piven plays Spence Kovak, a neurotic, endearing, and frequently overlooked character. His comedic ability is pushed to the front in this series, with Piven delivering consistent laughs throughout the show. He brilliantly managed to add depth and layers to Spence, making him a character much more complex and interesting than one might initially realize.
Dean ‘The Dream’ Pritchard in “Old School” (2003)
Playing the role of disgraced and desperate former nerd-turned-successful realtor trying to shut down his old tormentor’s fraternity, Piven delivered a standout performance in this comedy flick. His portrayal of Dean Pritchard shows his versatile comedy chops, mastering the bitter recluse as effortlessly as the flashy Ari Gold.
Don Ready in “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard” (2009)
The less-remembered film, “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard,” is another silver lining for Piven. As the fast-taking used car salesman Don Ready, Piven demonstrated his comedic timing and tongue-in-cheek delivery. Although the film didn’t make massive waves, Piven’s performance is eminently watchable, and his talent for comedy rarely gets the respect it deserves.
Bobby Gold in “Kiss the Girls” (1997)
In this crime thriller, Piven steps away from comedy into a more serious role. His portrayal of detective Bobby Gold showcased his ability to seamlessly transition into drama, offering a serious and dedicated performance that demonstrated he was more than capable of handling the genre.
Harry Selfridge in “Mr. Selfridge” (2013-2016)
One of Piven’s most underrated performances, however, may be his lead role in the historical drama “Mr. Selfridge.” Piven took on the role of Harry Selfridge, the ambitious and flamboyant American entrepreneur who established the world-famous Selfridge’s department store in London. Jeremy Piven dug deep into this character, bringing a dynamic and complex man to life with palpable energy and depth.
Conclusion
These roles encapsulate Jeremy Piven’s underrated range as an actor, demonstrating that he is not just Ari Gold but an actor capable of transforming into any character, in any genre. His contribution to these roles brings them a richness often unrecognized, sealing Piven’s status as a versatile and talented performer.
