With three more women coming forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, the longtime actor is in a precarious place.
Jeremy Piven hasn’t been exactly quiet about his troubles lately, but he’s trying to keep the attention focused on his new projects and is not about to discuss the accusations that have piled up against him in recent weeks. The Emmy Award-winning actor, who turns 50 next week, has always been a workhorse who lets his private life take a back seat to his professional obligations. He owns at least two homes, including a palatial beach house in Malibu. His workaholic tendencies haven’t made for the smoothest of personal relationships and he is currently single.
The latest controversies surrounding the prolific actor, who has won an astounding eight Emmys in total, stem from allegations that he committed acts of sexual harassment and assault against multiple people. The latest accusers are coming forward to Buzzfeed News with accounts dating as far back as 1985. The oldest claim involves a woman named Susan McCain Olson, who worked as an extra on the set of Lucas in the summer between her junior and senior years of high school. She alleges that Piven followed her into a trailer and pinned her down on the couch, trying to kiss her while he felt up her shorts and shirt.
Another of the newest accusers is actress Sarah Tressler, who claims that Piven tried to forcibly kiss her in a hotel room in the early 2000s. He denied the allegations, and he said his lawyers are preparing legal action against Buzzfeed.
In the past, Piven has been outspoken about his political views and he has spoken out against racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. He has also spoken out against the war in Iraq and against gun violence. He’s been nominated for an Oscar twice and he was a winner of the Golden Globe for his role in the movie American Sniper.
Piven has always been a man of many talents, and he seems to be aiming to broaden his horizons with a career in stand-up comedy. He has several gigs lined up and will be heading to Toronto for one this weekend. Canadian comic Russell Peters is a key connection in this dramatic turn of his career, as he’s been a driving force behind Piven’s pivot to comedy and is helping him book gigs across the country.
Despite his troubled personal life, the talent that Piven has on his resume knows no bounds. He’s starred in countless movies and television shows, including Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss, Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde, The Distinguished Gentlemen and Entourage. He’s even fought off cancer twice. Piven is a true force to be reckoned with in Hollywood and has no plans to slow down anytime soon. He continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on-screen and off. And with his upcoming gigs, it looks like there will be no stopping him any time soon.