Twenty years ago, a little show about four guys navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood hit TV screens and changed the game forever. Entourage wasn't just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon, a love letter to friendship, ambition, and the often absurd world of showbiz.
If you're of a certain age, like me, I'm sure you'll never forget the classic HBO noise (officially called the "static angel"), then the distinct "oh yeah oh yeahs" of the Jane's Addiction theme song while Vinny Chase, Turtle, E, and Johnny Drama cruised down Hollywood Boulevard at night.
From 2004 to its last episode in 2011, all 96 episodes of the show were appointment television. It was the ultimate bro-bonding experience, a must-watch for anyone who loved the mix of ambition, humor, and cutthroat world of Hollywood. To those obsessed with it in its heydey, Entourage was more than a show; it was a lifestyle.
To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, I talked with Jerry Ferrara, the actor legend behind Salvatore "Turtle" Assante. Jerry was fresh off a trip to LA, where he relived the show's glory days.
How? By cruising around in a new Cadillac Escalade, just like old times.
You can listen to the conversation as a podcast in the Apple Podcast player or on Spotify. Or read it below.
We covered a lot of ground in 40 minutes.
Wild times on set. James Cameron’s cameo giving Entourage street cred in Hollywood at a time when no one knew what to think of it. Jerry shared some unforgettable stories, like Bob Saget playing a raunchy and over-the-top version of himself, or the time a diva dog stormed off set during the iconic Season 5 "Tree Trippers" episode.
We even speculated on what the gang would be up to now. How would Vince juggle blockbusters in a streaming world? Would Turtle be dabbling in crypto? (Answer: "Yes").
Jerry also reflected on having a sitting President as a fan, tuning in from the White House. We also contemplate how Entourage paved the way for other modern hustle-and-grind showbiz hits like Hacks and Dave. Shows that dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of "making it", whatever that means.
We talked cast chemistry. Real-life inspirations. How Turtle’s journey mirrored Jerry’s own life.
Time flies. Twenty years? Seriously?! Where did the time go?!
So buckle up! To an Entourage junkie, this conversation is filled with timeless Turtle wisdom. From Doug Ellin manifesting an Aquaman movie to Arnold the Rottweiler's scene-stealing moments, this interview is like catching up with old friends at Urth Caffé, reminiscing about the good old days and dreaming about the future.
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