Following the passing of his mother, renowned acting teacher Joyce Piven, Jeremy Piven is preparing to perform in Chicago on June 6, where her influence will resonate in his act.
The actor and comedian described the intense experience of speaking at Joyce’s funeral as one of the most challenging moments of his life.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, he shared how stand-up helped him navigate this emotional space, allowing him to find humor even in grief.
“When I got up and spoke about her… while I was crying, I could make them laugh and it allowed me to breathe. And it allowed them to breathe,” Piven recounted, highlighting the intimate connection between performance and personal experiences.
Joyce Piven was not only his mother but also a foundational figure in his career, having taught him since eighth grade.
As he gears up for his shows at The Vic Theatre, Piven anticipates channeling his mother’s spirit in his performances, humorously recalling a line from his iconic HBO show, ‘Entourage.’
He playfully acknowledged that his character, Ari Gold, who often engages in outlandish rants, served as a backdrop for his creative interactions with his mother, making those outrageous lines feel uniquely personal.
While Jeremy Piven is widely recognized for his role in ‘Entourage,’ he expresses a desire to discuss a broader range of topics during his stand-up set.
His time in London, where he studied Shakespeare at the National Theatre and honed his stand-up skills, has come to influence his comedic style significantly.
In addition to his extensive TV and film career, Piven took on the title role in PBS’s ‘Mr. Selfridge,’ portraying a tycoon who launched the renowned Selfridges department store in early 20th century London.
Piven reflects on the challenges of working with different media, noting, “I learned the hard way how important it is to have advertising behind you.
When you have none, like PBS has… you can really go quietly into the night unfortunately.”
Additionally, he shares that stand-up tends to resonate particularly well in places like England, Chicago, and Australia.
Recently, Piven has been utilizing his comedic talent to explore intriguing concepts in new bits, like portraying Sylvester Stallone performing Shakespeare, finding that this unique blend of humor has been well-received by audiences.
With the current climate of rapid news cycles and societal turbulence, Piven recognizes a perfect opportunity for stand-up comedy to thrive.
He notes, “There’s something really kind of beautiful about connecting with an audience and unpacking ideas in real time.”
Among the accomplishments he’s proudest of in 2023 is his performance in the film ‘The Performance,’ directed by his sister, Shira Piven.
The film, based on a short story by Arthur Miller, showcases Piven as an underemployed Jewish tap dancer who embarks on various performances in Europe during the 1930s, including a troubling show for Adolf Hitler in Berlin.
This project holds deep personal significance for Piven, who revealed that the short story was handed to him by his mother 15 years ago.
He also spent considerable time learning to tap dance for his role.
Although his father, Byrne Piven, passed away before he could witness Jeremy’s success in ‘Entourage,’ his mother had the chance to see ‘The Performance’ and was immensely proud of her son’s dedication to the project.
Piven voiced that this performance was the best of his career, a fitting tribute to his mother’s legacy.
During his visits to Chicago, Piven enjoys immersing himself in the city, often seeking out landmarks such as the Chicago Theatre and the historic Marshall Field’s building.
He also enjoys attending Cubs games and cherishes the opportunity to ride along the scenic lakefront.
“I need to go immediately to Oak Street Beach, jump on a bike and start riding, heading in either direction.
If I end up in Evanston, that’s incredible,” he stated, reminiscing about the beauty of the area and its connection to his roots.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/comedy/2025/06/04/jeremy-piven-stand-up-comedy-vid-theatre-chicago
