Talented Piven takes entertainment industry by storm

By Julia Shih
Daily Arts Writer

Jeremy Piven has one of those faces that is easily recognized, but people have trouble putting a name to it. Having been seen in countless numbers of movies, television shows and theater productions, this talented actor should be raking in top billing on dazzling marques, inhabiting a lush star trailer bigger than most homes and exercising a massive Hollywood ego by now.

Yet the 30-ish Piven, who has been performing since he was 8 years old, can still be seen as the supporting character in most of his productions. From playing Ellen's loser cousin Spence on the hit series, "Ellen," to strutting his stuff as John Cusack's sidekick in "Grosse Pointe Blank," Piven doesn't get very much of the spotlight. But it's not too big of a deal for this mellow guy who sees himself as just one of the boys, stuck with the superficial image that comes with working in the television industry.

"I hope to ... work with people who like and trust me," Piven said in an interview with The Michigan Daily. "That's what (this business) is all about. And with people who are passionate about what they do. That sounds pretentious, but I don't care. It's like, don't take yourself too seriously. Work really hard, but don't take yourself too seriously. We're all in this together, for the love of God! I mean, so what if you're a TV star?"

Ever so modest, Piven has not let Hollywood get in the way of his attitude or his interests. Sounding like every other person in this country who is young at heart, Piven talked about the things he enjoys as much as the next guy.

"I like to play the drums. I like to kick-box. I love watching movies," Piven said.

Then after some contemplation, he said playfully, "And I like smoking herbal medication."

Piven grew up in Illinois, not terribly far from the annual location of the world-renowned Hash Bash (which the actor hopes to participate in ... someday), where he began his acting career in a theater group founded by his parents, The Piven Theater Group.

After studying at New York University, Piven headed out to Tinsel Town, where he played bit and not-so-bit parts in films such as "Judgment Night," "P.C.U." and "Heat," while being asked to join the cast of "Ellen."

When "Ellen"'s ratings skyrocketed and the show became fanatically embraced by the public, the sitcom's overnight success left the cast in awe, Piven said.

"I think people just enjoy Ellen (DeGeneres). They enjoy a woman with a strong comedic sense ... someone they can relate to. And since I've come on, apparently people enjoy watching me. So maybe I'm a variable too," said Piven about "Ellen"'s unexpected popularity.

Unfortunately, no matter how successful "Ellen" has been, it hasn't been the best place for creative input.

"They hired me as an improvisational actor," continued Piven, as he explained the source of his frustration. "I'm not allowed to put my input into things, really.

"I was allowed greater freedom on ('Grosse Pointe Blank') than I am on TV's 'Ellen,' which is wrong, I believe. If you hire someone and bring them to the party, you have to be supportive. And when people are supportive, and everyone feels comfortable, that's where you get people's best work.

"(My character, Spence) is like a physical extension of my creativity on the show," said Piven, almost sadly. "He's frustrated. He's trying to figure out which career is right for him, but he's settled once again on being a doctor. And he's got this relationship with Paige that is just based on sex."

But at least Piven is proud to be a part of one of the most controversial events to occur on television: Ellen coming out.

"I think it's great! I'm proud to be a part of it," gushed Piven. "I don't think people will be that surprised. I think for the most part, people saw it coming. And if they have a hard time with it, they have to open up their eyes. It's different kinds of people, and (those who have a problem with it) have obviously been very sheltered. Because, here's a woman that they've liked for all this time, and it's the same woman. She's just discovering things about herself.

"It's also a really funny episode when she comes out," Piven promised.

Meanwhile, as the rest of the world awaits the day that Ellen Morgan comes out of the closet, Piven is promoting his new film, "Grosse Pointe Blank," in which he stars with another Piven Theatre Group alumnus, John Cusack.

"I think 'Grosse Pointe Blank" is one of those rare movies. I think everyone (at The University of Michigan) should go see it, because it's one of those really cool movies that got in under the radar, that is really about something.

"It takes place at this high school reunion, and it's about taking responsibility for your life, oddly enough. And also, what job you pick and how the government is ultimately responsible if they train you to be a killer. But it's mostly a love story and about checking in with your past and your life. It's done so well. I mean, I'm in it so I shouldn't say that, but I'm just really proud of that movie. And above all, it's really entertaining. It's a cool, subversive movie."

As for the filming of "Grosse Pointe Blank," Piven was noticeably happier on that set than on the set of "Ellen."

"On 'Grosse Pointe Blank,' I was dealing with highly intelligent, fun, good people. And that just encouraged me to put my own spin on the character. I play the best friend role, but it was just really great. Cusack's great."

As for his future? How long he'll remain in the cast of "Ellen" is questionable, but he can be seen in the upcoming independent film "Music From Another Room" with Jennifer Tilly, and of course, the eagerly anticipated comedy "Grosse Pointe Blank."

So if you don't know who Jeremy Piven is by now, you'd better find out soon. Because he's about to take the entertainment industry by storm.

Jeremy Piven stars as Spence on "Ellen."

04-11-97