A movie within a movie based on a TV show about making movies in Hollywood, where the executive producer serves as the inspiration for the protagonist - it doesn't get more meta than that. This is precisely what HBO's Entourage is all about, a franchise that draws inspiration from Mark Wahlberg's journey to stardom. Created by Doug Ellin, the HBO series was a hit and won numerous Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe awards, while its film adaptation grossed $49.3 million at the box office.
During its premiere on HBO in 2004, Entourage introduced viewers to Vincent Chase, a movie star, and his loyal group of friends played by Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven. The show's main character, portrayed by Adrian Grenier, strives to balance his personal and professional life in Los Angeles alongside these four stars. Grenier recently reflected on his experience on set during a GQ Australia interview in November 2020, acknowledging that the show's content would not have been acceptable in today's society. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create the show during a different era.
"I must say, I could have used a bit more of Vince's charm in my life," he said with a smile. "However, I am content with the role I played and was able to transition back to my normal self after filming. It was quite a change from making documentaries in Mexico." The cast of Entourage extended beyond the five main actors featured on the poster, with other notable names such as Debi Mazar, Constance Zimmer, and Emmanuelle Chriqui making memorable appearances on the HBO series.
For the cinematic follow-up of the award-winning series, the Hollywood crew reunited almost four years after its finale's cliffhanger scenes. Grenier revealed in a June 2015 interview with The Independent that they shot wide format as if it were for a big screen, given that fans usually watched four or five episodes consecutively. The only modification made for the movie was the removal of the beginning and end credits.
"I appreciate how this [project] highlights the importance of uplifting and supporting our neighbors, friends, and family. Despite the surface focus on indulgence and materialism, the underlying message is about being there for our loved ones."
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‘Entourage’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Adrian Grenier, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven and More
Can you imagine anything more meta than a movie that features another movie within it? How about a movie that contains a film within it, which is based on a TV show about a group of men creating movies in Hollywood, where the executive producer serves as the muse for the lead character?
The premise of HBO's Entourage mirrors the real-life success story of Mark Wahlberg. The television series, created by Doug Ellin, received numerous accolades including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Its subsequent film adaptation grossed $49.3 million at the box office. Entourage debuted on HBO in 2004, introducing audiences to the main character, movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), and his supportive group of friends (Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven). Alongside these four co-stars, the Devil Wears Prada actor portrays a character who faces the challenge of balancing personal gain and friendship in Los Angeles.
During a November 2020 interview with GQ Australia, Grenier reflected on his experience on set and acknowledged that it was a different time. He noted that certain things they did on the show would not be acceptable today, but he was grateful they were able to do them back then. Grenier also expressed his desire for more time with his character, Vince, but was content with being able to transition back to himself after the role. The transition was significant for Grenier as he had been making documentaries in Mexico before landing the role on the show.
The cast of Entourage extended beyond the five lead actors featured on the poster. Supporting stars such as Debi Mazar, Constance Zimmer, and Emmanuelle Chriqui also made notable appearances on the HBO show. Recently, the Hollywood crew reunited for a movie sequel, picking up just days after the suspenseful finale.
Grenier stated in a 2015 interview with The Independent that they filmed with a wide format, as if it were for a big screen, and fans often watched multiple episodes in one sitting. The movie simply removed the beginning and end credits. He emphasized that the project highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting one's neighbors, friends, and family, despite the surface theme of indulgence and materialism.
Scroll below to see what the cast has been up to since the show — and movie — wrapped:
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Adrian Grenier
To play the lead role in the movie, Grenier had to do more than just portray Vincent Chase; he had to embody Mark Wahlberg himself. The character of Vince, inspired by Wahlberg, was a handsome actor who excelled at his craft. He had a fondness for women but was unable to attend social events without his friends due to mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical limitations.
Grenier's acting career has seen him take on a diverse range of roles beyond his iconic performance in Entourage. He has showcased his versatility in films like Trash Fire, Marauders, A Christmas Love Story, Devil Wears Prada, and Drive Me Crazy. Following a hiatus from television series for over a decade, Grenier made a comeback with his appearance in Netflix's Clickbait in 2021.
In his personal life, Grenier found love with Jordan Roemmele in 2017, and the couple exchanged vows in June 2022. A year after their wedding, they happily announced the arrival of their baby boy.
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Jerry Ferrara
Ferrara makes his debut in Entourage as Salvatore Assante, or Turtle, Vince's childhood friend. Initially, he serves as Vince's driver after moving to California to be with his friend. Throughout the show, he develops into a successful entrepreneur.
In recent years, Ferrara has gained attention for his role as Joe Proctor in the popular Starz series Power. He has also appeared in several films, including Think Like a Man, Dating & New York, Last Vegas, and Club Life. Despite playing a more subdued character in real life, Ferrara's business acumen from his time on Entourage has translated into his co-ownership of Fat Sal's Deli, a beloved sandwich shop located in Hollywood.
The Think Like a Man Too star wed Breanne Racano in June 2017, with whom he shares two sons.
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Jeremy Piven
Piven expertly played the character of Ari Gold, a foul-mouthed and assertive agent to Vince. He had an impressive career before and after his role in Entourage, with notable appearances in Say Anything, Judgment Night, Ellen, Serendipity, Chasing Liberty, Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World, and So Undercover. Additionally, he held regular roles on Mr. Selfridge and Wisdom of the Crowd.
The actor, Piven, faced sexual misconduct allegations from several women in 2017, though he has denied them. In a statement to Us Weekly, he made it clear that he had not engaged in any such behavior and expressed his support for those who do come forward with their own experiences.
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Kevin Connolly
In Entourage, Connolly played Eric "E" Murphy, who was Vince’s best friend and eventual manager.
Following his role in Entourage, Connolly has kept busy with various acting projects. He had a starring role in the CBS sitcom Friends with Better Lives, though unfortunately, it was cancelled after just one season. Additionally, he has made appearances in a number of other films and TV shows, including Pitch, The Oath, The Ugly Truth, The Notebook, and He's Just Not That Into You. In addition to acting, Connolly also took a shot at directing, with his work on John Travolta's Gotti. More recently, the Dear Eleanor actor has been in a relationship with Zulay Henao since 2019, and the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Kennedy, in June 2021.
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Kevin Dillon
Every great group of friends has a nutcase. Dillon takes on the role while playing Vince’s crazy older half-brother, Johnny “Drama” Chase.
Following his success on Entourage, Dillon remained dedicated to his acting career and consistently landed roles for the next 12 years. He appeared in several films, including Hotel for Dogs, The Throwaways, A Day to Die, and Reagan. Dillon's upcoming project, American Metal, is highly anticipated, although a release date has not been confirmed. In 2006, he married Jane Stuart and they welcomed their daughter, Ava. However, the couple eventually divorced in 2017.
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Debi Mazar
Vince's publicist, Shauna Roberts, assumes the role of his West Coast mother, albeit a sassy one with a penchant for colorful language. Mazar's talent brings this character to life in a captivating way.
The multi-talented artist, originally from New York, made a name for herself as a backup dancer for Madonna before branching out into acting. She has appeared in several notable films and TV shows, including Jungle Fever, L.A. Law, Bullets Over Broadway, Empire Records, Batman Forever, and The Pentaverate. Following her stint on Entourage, Mazar continued to make guest appearances on various TV shows before landing a regular role on Younger, which recently concluded its seventh season on TV Land.
In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Mazar and her husband Gabriele Corcos opened Tuscan Gun, a Brooklyn-based cafe that unfortunately had to close its doors permanently. Mazar and Corcos are proud parents to two daughters, Giulia and Evelina.
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Rex Lee
Lee took on the role of Lloyd in the drama series. Following his departure from Entourage, he landed the part of Elliot Park in Freeform's Young and Hungry, where he starred alongside Emily Osment. Lee has also appeared in minor roles in the movies Lemon and Feel the Beat.
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Rhys Coiro
Coiro portrays Billy Walsh, a former director turned minister, in the series. The character is based on Entourage screenwriter Rob Weiss. Coiro has also appeared in several other television shows, including a notable role as Jed in The Walking Dead, as well as Agent Game and Paradise City. He and his wife Kat Coiro, who is also in the entertainment industry, have three children together.
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Emmanuelle Chriqui
Chriqui appears as Sloan McQuiewick, E’s main love interest throughout Entourage.
Chriqui boasts an impressive resume of both big and small screen performances, with notable roles before and after her stint on the show. Currently, the Canadian actress shines as Lana Lang in The CW's Superman and Lois. Her filmography includes a diverse range of titles such as Cosmic Dawn, The Knight Before Christmas, The Passage, and Murder in the First.
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Perrey Reeves
In addition to her role as Mrs. Ari on Entourage, Reeves has also appeared in several other TV series and films such as Famous In Love, High Voltage, Plus One, Cosmic Sin, and Murder at Hollow Creek where she portrays Jennifer Bennet. Reeves and her husband, Aaron Endress-Fox, became parents to their daughter Phoenix in October of 2017.
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Constance Zimmer
Filling the role of executive director Dana Gordon is Zimmer.
The talented actress, who hails from Washington, has been a familiar face on popular TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy, House of Cards, UnReal, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In 2022, she added another feather to her cap by joining the cast of ABC's Big Sky. Zimmer is a proud mother to her daughter Colette, whom she shares with her husband, Russ Lamoureux.
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Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Jamie-Lynn Sigler portrays herself on Entourage. The Sopranos alum has went on to act in Guys with Kids, Beef House and Big Sky.
After tying the knot with AJ Discala in 2003, the Mob Town star's marriage didn't last and they parted ways three years later. However, she found love again with Cutter Dykstra and they exchanged vows in 2016. The couple is now proud parents to their sons, Beau and Jack.