Actor from ‘Entourage’ Opens Up About Challenges of Reviving the Show
Entourage actor Jerry Ferrara discussed the potential hurdles in bringing back the hit HBO series to modern audiences. The show, created by Doug Ellin, was loosely inspired by Mark Wahlberg’s early years in Hollywood. It aired for eight seasons from 2004 to 2011 and later spawned a movie in 2015.
The show’s ensemble cast included Adrian Grenier as rising actor Vince Chase, Kevin Dillion as his brother Johnny Drama, Kevin Connolly as his friend and manager Eric Murphy, and Jeremy Piven as the sharp-tongued talent agent Ari Gold. Ferrara played Salvatore “Turtle” Assante, Chase’s childhood friend turned assistant and driver.
Ferrara shared his thoughts on a potential reboot, questioning the relevance of the show’s original premise in today’s entertainment landscape. He highlighted the show’s focus on friendship amid the backdrop of Hollywood and the challenges faced by actors navigating their careers.
Reflecting on the changes in the industry since the show first aired, Ferrara noted the absence of social media during the original run and how people’s connectivity has evolved. He expressed reservations about finding a compelling storyline in a world where traditional worries about movie releases have shifted.
While acknowledging the difficulties of updating the storyline for contemporary audiences, Ferrara remained open to the idea of a reboot, citing successful examples of modernized reboots in the industry.
Marking the show’s 20th anniversary, Ferrara revisited iconic locations from the series, reminiscing about the past two decades and how his life has changed since playing Turtle. He described his current role as a family man driving his own Cadillac Escalade with his wife and kids, a stark contrast to his character’s adventures on the show.
Ferrara expressed gratitude for his current life and the joy of parenthood, emphasizing the shift in priorities as he now focuses on family activities rather than the Hollywood whirlwind portrayed in Entourage.