Man Meat Monday #17

When Blogger disappeared last week, I had a not-so small panic attack. That's probably a sign, but I can't figure out what it means.

At any rate, I got a phenomenal Man Meat Monday suggestion from my dear friend Ben this week. You see, Ben likes girls and as a result, his taste in attractive guys is pretty suspect (he likes Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Reds' player Jonny Gomes - ew). However, I simply couldn't turn this one down.

So, I bring you...

Jeremy Piven

Claim to Fame: Actor (Entourage, Smokin' Aces, Old School)

Birthday: July 26, 1965

Although I rave endlessly about Glee, it's not my favorite show. Aside from Jeopardy, my absolute favorite TV show is HBO's Entourage. Although the show details the hilarious, unpredictable, and luxurious life of young actor Vincent Chase, it's not Vince or his buddies that make the show worth watching. It is his tempermental, neurotic, successful, and highly volatile agent, Ari Gold, that makes the show a hit.

Ari is the role that Jeremy Piven was born to play. Based on real-life Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel (mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel's brother), Ari Gold is dedicated to his clients (often to the detriment of his family), driven by success, and has a tendency to go more crazy than moms at Toys R Us on Black Friday. He's inappropriate, sexist, racist, and somehow absolutely hilarious and lovable. If you don't watch the show, it's probably hard to understand.

Jeremy Piven, however, is nothing like Ari in real life. Although he was born in Manhattan, he grew up in a suburb of Chicago (see? I seriously need to move there). His parents founded a theater workshop where he studied and played multiple dramatic roles. A couple years ago, he also played a role in the Broadway revival of David Mamet's Speed the Plow until he was forced to stop due to illness.

Random Tidbit: He and John Cusack once shared an apartment.

Only downfall?: He isn't actually Ari Gold.

I am forced to show two clips of Jeremy Piven. The first one is a clip from Entourage. I am warning you - DO NOT WATCH THIS AT WORK!



The second clip is an awesome push-up contest between Mr. Piven and Kelly Ripa. I had this saved on my DVR for at least three years.



So, readers: It's your turn. Would you root Jeremy Piven on in a pushup contest? From underneath perhaps?

Again, my body is ready.