Joyce Piven, co-founder of Piven Theatre in Evanston, mother of Jeremy Piven dies at 94
Joyce Piven, the co-founder of the Piven Theatre in Evanston and the mother of actor Jeremy Piven, died on Sunday at the age of 94, her son announced.
Jeremy Piven posted the announcement with photos of her on his Instagram page.

Joyce Piven and Jeremy Pivens at the premiere of "Sweetwater" held at the Steven J. Ross Theater on April 11, 2023 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Variety via Getty Images)
"Joyce Piven has left us," he wrote. "I was pretending this day wouldn’t come yet here we are. If you know me you understand how much I love this woman. Yes she’s my mother but she was an incredible human being."
Piven Theatre co-founder
The backstory:
Joyce Piven, along with her husband Byrne, co-founded the Piven Theatre Workshop in north suburban Evanston in 1971. The theater, which uses what it calls the "Piven technique," has educated numerous actors.
The workshop says on its website it uses "a combination of improvisation exercises and theatre games designed to hone the actor’s skills."
Byrne Piven died in 2002. Their children, Jeremy and Shira, went on to successful careers in the entertainment business. Jeremy is best known for his role as Ari Gold in the comedy series "Entourage."

EVANSTON, IL - JUNE 23: Joyce Hiller Piven and Jeremy Piven attend the Piven Theatre Workshop 2012 gala at Noyes Cultural Arts Center on June 23, 2012 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Roman/Getty Images)
Joyce was the artistic director emeritus at the Piven Theatre Workshop where she directed several plays. She was living in Los Angeles, according to her biography.
What they're saying:
The Piven Theatre Workshop posted about Piven on its Facebook page:
"Joyce was a life-long teacher and artist, and an inspiration to so many people. She taught us theatre and art, communication and play, and the value of connecting with each other, of creating and fostering community. She is with her beloved Byrne. She will be greatly missed."
Jeremy Piven also commented on his mother’s legacy as a teacher.
"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," he said.