Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara: Episode Summary

Title: ENTOURAGE REUNION! Kevin Connolly & Kevin Dillon Reminisce Being On-Set, Favorite Cameos & Reboot?

Release Date: February 20, 2025

In this special episode of Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara, hosts Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara delve deep into the nostalgic world of the iconic TV series Entourage. Joining them are longtime friends and cast members Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon, who share behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and discuss the tantalizing possibility of an Entourage reboot. The conversation seamlessly weaves through personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and reflections on the show's enduring legacy.

1. Entourage Reunion and Nostalgia

[00:28] The episode kicks off with Jerry and Matt expressing their excitement for "Entourage week," a tribute to the beloved series. Jerry introduces Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon, highlighting their tight-knit friendship and shared history from the early 2000s.

[02:02] Matt Leinart: "It was really fun just throwing it back because it, because, you know, it's one of my favorite shows in that time."

The hosts reminisce about their close connections, with Matt emphasizing the seamless chemistry between the cast members and how their interactions have remained consistent over the years.

[04:40] Matt Leinart: "Championship teams and sport are all about personalities and getting different personalities to mesh. The same with making a show."

2. On-Set Anecdotes and Injury Stories

The conversation shifts to some of the more intense and humorous moments from filming Entourage. Kevin Dillon shares his experience of breaking his leg during a shoot:

[24:35] Kevin Connolly: "So now it's starting to get compared. Now Connoll switch. Connolly's on offense. They... I forget whatever route you drove."

[25:12] Kevin Dillon: "I think it's coming from a killer shot. Like cortisone. It just in."

Kevin Dillon recounts how he played through a compound fracture to meet the demands of the photo shoot the very next day.

[25:35] Kevin Connolly: "We went at the same time at the photo shoot despite the surgery, just like a relentless athlete."

These stories highlight the dedication and resilience of the cast, drawing parallels between their commitment on the show and that of professional athletes.

3. Discussing an Entourage Reboot

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to pondering the future of Entourage. The hosts and guests discuss the feasibility and potential challenges of rebooting the series in today's entertainment landscape.

[05:05] Jerry Ferrara: "I never thought it would ever happen and it probably still won't. But for the first time for me, I could say I see it now."

Despite initial skepticism, there's an evident enthusiasm among the cast for the idea, with Matt even advocating for it:

[06:06] Matt Leinart: "I think a reboot, I think something would... it would still translate in today's world almost even better."

However, Jerry raises concerns about cultural shifts and the evolving nature of humor and relationships portrayed in the original series.

[07:07] Jerry Ferrara: "We had a certain brand of humor that was acceptable. At some point wasn't acceptable anymore."

The discussion touches on the complexities of revisiting beloved characters and the importance of maintaining the show's original spirit while adapting to contemporary sensibilities.

4. Favorite Athlete Cameos: Throwback Three

One of the highlights of the episode is the "Throwback Three" segment, where Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon share their favorite athlete cameos from Entourage. These interactions not only brought star power to the show but also showcased genuine camaraderie between athletes and actors.

a. Tom Brady

[75:47] Kevin Dillon: "Tom was awesome. Crew loved him. I hit his club in the scene, and during our lunch break, he invited me to play golf."

Tom Brady's cameo is fondly remembered for his laid-back attitude and engaging presence both on and off the set.

b. Phil Mickelson

[76:41] Kevin Dillon: "I ran into him at a golf course. He was trying to avoid recognition at first, but we eventually connected over a mutual appreciation for the game."

Phil Mickelson's appearance was marked by a humorous exchange about Matt Dillon's father's artwork, adding a personal touch to his cameo.

c. Drew Brees

[79:02] Kevin Dillon: "Drew is the coolest, nicest guy. We collaborated on a fundraising scene, and his genuine nature made the interaction seamless."

Drew Brees brought a sense of authenticity and warmth to his appearance, enhancing the show's reputation for integrating real-life personalities naturally.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Challenges

Beyond the main topics, the episode is peppered with various behind-the-scenes tales and challenges faced during the making of Entourage. From unexpected injuries to quirky incidents, Connolly and Dillon provide a candid look into the realities of working on a hit TV show.

[72:51] Kevin Dillon: "We are injury pro. We play through. We're tough."

These stories not only entertain but also underscore the physical and emotional demands of television production, drawing interesting parallels to the rigors faced by professional athletes.

6. The Chemistry and Legacy of Entourage

As the episode progresses, the conversation circles back to the core theme of chemistry among the cast members. The hosts and guests reflect on how the natural bonds and mutual respect among the actors contributed to the show's success and enduring legacy.

[36:14] Kevin Dillon: "We're all from New York, and that shared background helped our chemistry."

This genuine connection is cited as a key factor in why Entourage resonated with audiences and why its revival could potentially reignite that same magic.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In wrapping up, the hosts express their gratitude towards their guests and reflect on the timeless appeal of Entourage. There's a playful nod to potential future collaborations and continued camaraderie among the friends.

[86:22] Jerry Ferrara: "And again, if you want to go to our YouTube or on any of our social media at Throwbacks..."

The episode concludes on a high note, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future discussions and hoping for an official reboot.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Leinart ([00:40]): "Entourage week, the best week of the year."
• Jerry Ferrara ([04:40]): "It's like that magic in a bottle, I think."
• Kevin Connolly ([07:07]): "It's that magic in a bottle, I think."
• Kevin Dillon ([24:35]): "We are injury pro. We played through."

Conclusion

This episode of Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara serves as a heartfelt homage to Entourage, celebrating its impact and the enduring friendships forged during its creation. Through engaging stories, reflective discussions, and shared laughter, Matt, Jerry, Kevin Connolly, and Kevin Dillon offer fans both old and new a rich tapestry of memories and insights, all while keeping the door open for future possibilities.