On June 6th, Jeremy Piven will take the stage at The Vic in Chicago as part of his national stand-up comedy tour. Known for his Emmy-winning role as Ari Gold on Entourage, Piven’s comedy may surprise fans who only know him from his acting. After more than a decade of perfecting his craft, Piven is showing the world a different side of himself through stand-up—a side that's honest, funny, and undeniably real.
“I’ve been performing for a long time, but stand-up is different,” says Piven. “It’s about connecting with the audience in a way that’s spontaneous and genuine. There’s no script, just the moment.” This honesty is at the heart of his comedy, and it’s what makes his live performances stand out. Instead of relying on a polished routine, Piven prefers to let his humor evolve organically. “You never really know how a show is going to go. It’s not a monologue; it’s a conversation with the crowd.”
Growing up in the Evanston, Illinois, Piven was immersed in a diverse and integrated community, which gave him a unique perspective on the world. He reflects on how those early experiences shaped his view on identity and culture. “I was one of the only white kids on my football team, and that was a really interesting experience. It taught me a lot about being open-minded, seeing things from different perspectives, and just understanding people,” Piven explains. “I think comedy, in a lot of ways, comes from having an understanding of who we all are, what makes us tick, and how we relate to one another.”
Piven’s background in theater also plays a huge role in his stand-up. He got his start performing with Second City and, as a child, even took the stage at the Piven Theater with childhood friend John Cusack. His years in Chicago’s theater scene gave him the tools to develop his own style. “Chicago’s always been where I learned the craft. It’s where I got my feet wet. When I was younger, I would perform for a room of 50 people, and they’d still show up and support me. That’s what you need when you’re starting out,” Piven says. “I’m bringing that energy with me on this tour.”
But despite all of his acting accolades—three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and an extensive career in film and TV—it’s stand-up that has allowed Piven to express himself in a completely new way. “All roads led me to stand-up,” he says. “It’s a different kind of performance. It’s about vulnerability. There’s no hiding behind a character. What you see is what you get.”
Piven’s approach to stand-up is as much about the journey as the destination. While some comics might stick to a set routine, Piven loves to improvise. “I’m an improviser at heart,” he says. “The beauty of live comedy is that anything can happen. You have to be ready for anything. Sometimes the audience will shout something, and it’ll completely change the direction of the show. That’s what makes it exciting.”
The show at The Vic is particularly meaningful for Piven, as it’s a return to his hometown. “There’s something special about performing in Chicago. It’s where I started, and I’ve always felt supported by this city,” he says. “It feels great to come back and bring this new chapter of my career here. It’s my way of showing appreciation for where I came from.”
Fans attending his show can expect more than just stand-up. Piven’s set will reflect his experiences growing up in the Chicagoland area, his time in Hollywood, and his personal evolution as an artist. “Comedy has always been about sharing experiences,” Piven explains. “And this show is no different. It’s personal, it’s funny, and it’s coming from a place of gratitude.”
Jeremy Piven may be known for playing fast-talking Hollywood characters, but his stand-up is a reminder that he’s more than just a TV icon. It’s a reflection of who he is at his core—a performer with a passion for comedy, a love for his roots, and a genuine desire to connect with his audience.
Don’t miss your chance to see Jeremy Piven live at The Vic on June 6th. It’s sure to be an evening full of laughs, stories, and a little bit of nostalgia, all served with a healthy dose of humor.