
In the wake of his mom Joyce Piven's passing, Jeremy Piven shared fond memories of the late matriarch's life and legacy as an acting teacher in a heartfelt tribute.
- Jan 20, 2025
AceShowbiz - Actor Jeremy Piven recently shared the heartbreaking news of his mother Joyce Piven's passing at the age of 94. Known for her influential role as an acting teacher and co-founder of the Piven Theatre Workshop, Joyce left a profound legacy in the theater world.
Jeremy took to Instagram to pay tribute to his mom, celebrating her life and lamenting his future without her. "Joyce Piven has left us. I was pretending this day wouldn't come yet here we are. If you know me, you understand how much I love this woman," Jeremy wrote, alongside a series of touching photographs.
Joyce's commitment to acting was immense. She continued to run lines with Jeremy "until the end," entering into characters and using any required accents. Jeremy shared a touching story of how he secretly filmed her during one of their sessions and showed it to his director. She ended up landing a role in the movie and received a standing ovation on set.
Besides being an acting teacher, Joyce was an avid reader. She introduced him to Arthur Miller's 2002 short story "The Performance", leading to the 2023 adaptation directed by Jeremy's sister Shira Piven, with Jeremy taking a starring role. "The film is a tribute to her," he said.
Joyce's influence extended far beyond her family. Alongside her husband, Byrne Piven, she co-founded the Piven Theatre Workshop in the early 1970s, training notable actors such as John Cusack, Kate Walsh, Lili Taylor, and Aidan Quinn. They were also founding members of the improv-heavy Playwrights Theatre Club with Paul Sills, preceding the establishment of The Second City in 1959.
Concluding his tribute, Jeremy said, "Not quite sure how to navigate without her yet this beautiful life is about transformation which was one of her theater games. Taught us Comedy and drama can exist simultaneously (just like life). "
"She affected so many lives. She taught acting not so that you could be a professional, but so that you could learn more about yourself. 'Endings are important.' She was graceful until her last breath."
Byrne and Joyce's commitment to their craft and their students have left enduring legacies. As Jeremy affirms, "We don't know how long we have here in this human form but I can tell you that we lost a good one. She's dancing with my father. Be good to each other."