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Piven’s persistence paid off in 2004 when he accepted a supporting role as Ari Gold in Entourage, a character richly inspired by the real-life super agent Ari Emmanuel. Even though he was 37 and had the opportunity for larger leading roles, Piven took an 80% pay cut to embody a character with minimal screen time. What came next was transformative; his electrifying portrayal of Ari Gold captivated audiences and earned him three consecutive Emmy Awards along with multiple Golden Globe nominations. Piven’s catchphrase, “Let’s hug it out,” became ingrained in pop culture.