The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly

Episode: Dancing For Hitler with Jeremy Piven
Original Air Date: December 31, 2025
Guest: Jeremy Piven
Key Guests/Interlocutors: Eddie Pepitone, Doug Ellin (appearing as Jeremy Piven), Jay Oakerson, Bobby Kelly

Episode Overview

This episode features actor and comedian Jeremy Piven in a candid, rollicking conversation with hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly, alongside Eddie Pepitone and Doug Ellin. The discussion dives into Piven’s latest film project, his evolution from dramatic acting to stand-up comedy, the challenges and rewards of both crafts, showbiz's evolving culture, reflections on fame, and the complex intersection of art, personal identity, and public perception. True to The Bonfire’s format, the conversation is both unfiltered and uproarious, filled with industry insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and razor-sharp banter.

Key Discussion Points

1. Jeremy Piven’s Dramatic Role: “Dancing for Hitler”

(02:10 – 07:30)

• Piven discusses his upcoming film inspired by Arthur Miller’s short story, "The Performance," centered on a Jewish tap dancer invited to perform for Hitler.

• He explains how the project became a metaphor for the compromises artists make for survival and recognition.

• Piven details the years he spent learning tap, reflecting on artistic dedication and “grinding” while funding fell through.

• The conversation branches into the stigma of actors doing reality shows, referencing Patrice O’Neal’s rejection of “Celebrity Fit Club” as a cautionary tale regarding career moves.

  Notable Quote:

  • “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It took so long to get the money that I just kept getting better at tap. ...No one’s coming to save you. ...You gotta make your own breaks.” — Jeremy Piven [04:53]

2. Antisemitism, Artistic Courage, and Industry Politics

(05:35 – 08:59)

• Piven describes the pressure and emotional climax of a pivotal scene in the film where his character reveals he is Jewish, capturing the broader themes of antisemitism and identity.

• The group reflects on the absurdity and seriousness of prejudice, the limits of social commentary, and the role art plays in confronting difficult topics.

• Piven touches on Oscar campaign politics, lamenting the need for extensive—and expensive—PR pushes for awards.

  Notable Quote:

  • “There’s this scene between the two of us and I just knew if I can pull this scene off, this will say more about antisemitism and the absurdity of it ...than any tweet, conversation, op-ed, TED talk you could do in your life.” — Jeremy Piven [06:28]

3. Stand-up vs. Acting: Skills, Stigma, and Respect

(09:05 – 20:54)

• The hosts challenge Piven about crossing over from acting to stand-up, confronting the suspicion comics feel toward actors entering their space.

• Anecdotes about crowd reactions, the honesty of different audiences, and the gratification of connecting directly with a live crowd.

• Piven affirms his genuine respect for the craft of stand-up, emphasizing hustle, paying dues, and learning from every set.

• Piven and the hosts note the differences in how actors and comics are held to public standards and discuss the experience of being scrutinized by fans and peers.

• Candid discussion on not taking criticism personally and how sustained effort and resilience matter more than any “natural” entitlement to the stage.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “No one is more honest than a black crowd. No one. You’re either gonna crush or they’re going to destroy you.” — Jeremy Piven [10:00]
  • “Any comic thinks anybody can do stand-up, right? But anybody can…for a minute.” — Bobby Kelly [20:09]

4. Industry Realities: Fame, Schmoozing, and Loneliness

(13:21 – 16:12)

• Reflections on Hollywood’s relentless focus on novelty and fleeting loyalty, contrasted with the comparatively steady rewards and autonomy of stand-up.

• The loneliness and emotional “whiplash” of stand-up touring—the dramatic shift from stage adulation to solitary hotel rooms.

• The hosts and Piven highlight the difference between the pampered world of acting sets versus the gritty independence of club comedy.

  Notable Quote:

  • “The transition from I was just some type of weird God, right? To I’m just a dickhead alone.” — Bobby Kelly [14:05]

5. Crossover Skills: Improv, Acting, and Comedy

(32:02 – 32:58)

• Piven draws parallels between improv and stand-up, noting his improvisational work on sets informed his comfort with crowd work.

• Discussion on the “building blocks” of performance confidence and the transferable skills between dramatic stagecraft and comedy.

• Stories from early theater life (doing Chekhov at 8 years old!), and the blending of dramatic and comedic training from a young age.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Improvising, thinking on your feet… it all kind of informs, you know what I mean? ...You have a building block already.” — Doug Ellin (as Jeremy Piven) [32:05]

6. Behind the Scenes: Career Longevity and Growth

(27:24 – 29:13, 35:00 – 36:57)

• Piven recounts his early break on The Larry Sanders Show, the formative influence of Garry Shandling, and the experience of working alongside giants of comedy and drama.

• Anecdotes about auditioning for Michael Mann’s Heat—persistently waiting hours to get a shot at a scene with De Niro—a testament to endurance and patience in entertainment.

• Observations on how career “breakthroughs” can come late, but each part of the journey builds into personal and professional growth.

  Notable Quote:

  • “If you don’t lose your mind and you stay in it long enough, you’re going to live your dream.” — Jeremy Piven [38:00]

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• [04:53] Jeremy Piven: “You gotta make your own breaks and no one’s coming to save you.”
• [06:28] Jeremy Piven: “This will say more about antisemitism and the absurdity of it …than any tweet, conversation, op-ed, TED talk you could do in your life.”
• [10:00] Jeremy Piven: “No one is more honest than a black crowd. No one. You’re either gonna crush or they’re going to destroy you.”
• [14:05] Bobby Kelly: “The transition from I was just some type of weird God, right? To I’m just a dickhead alone.”
• [20:09] Bobby Kelly: “Any comic thinks anybody can do stand-up, right? But anybody can…for a minute.”
• [32:05] Doug Ellin (as Jeremy Piven): “Improvising, thinking on your feet… it all kind of informs, you know what I mean? ...You have a building block already.”
• [38:00] Jeremy Piven: “If you don’t lose your mind and you stay in it long enough, you’re going to live your dream.”

Memorable Moments & Segments

• [03:43] - Piven contemplates joining “Dancing With the Stars,” describing it as “the white flag” of a performer’s career.
• [07:51] - Bobby Kelly shares the story of being mistaken for Michael Chiklis at Hollywood parties.
• [29:51] - Piven reflects on trying not to laugh as a young actor among comedic legends on Larry Sanders.
• [34:46] - Back and forth banter about acting as kids in theater, improv games, and “butchering Chekhov at 8 years old.”
• [38:24] - Q&A from Black Lou: Favorite Ari Gold monologue from Entourage, describing the pressure and rehearsal process behind it.

Candid Industry Takeaways

• Stand-up and acting require distinct, hard-earned skills, but some foundational abilities overlap in meaningful ways.
• Resilience and persistence, rather than entitlement or connections, are the real keys to success across performing arts.
• The entertainment business can be both brutally honest and emotionally punishing—learning not to personalize rejection is crucial.
• Fame is ephemeral in Hollywood, but building one’s own audience through comedy provides a sense of agency and security.

Episode Conclusion

The episode ends with the hosts and Piven riffing about touring, their mutual respect for the different crafts, and the ongoing thrill and struggle of performing. Piven plugs his tour dates and jokes about wanting to be the show’s honorary third mic.

Quick Reference: Important Segments

| Topic/Event | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Piven describes “Dancing for Hitler” film | 02:10–07:30 | | Oscar campaign grind, antisemitism themes | 05:35–08:59 | | Stand-up vs. Acting—respect and rivalry | 09:05–20:54 | | Industry realities, fame & loneliness | 13:21–16:12 | | Crossover skills: Improv and performance | 32:02–32:58 | | Early career, Larry Sanders memories | 27:24–29:13 | | Auditioning for Heat, De Niro anecdote | 35:00–36:57 | | Q&A: Best Ari Gold monologue | 38:24 | | Closing and plugs | 41:00–41:39 |

This summary captures the heart, humor, and substance of “Dancing for Hitler with Jeremy Piven.” For those wanting both laughs and industry wisdom, this episode is a showcase of experience earned—and shared—without filter or pretense.