From 2004 until 2011, Entourage was one of HBO's biggest TV shows. The series was an instant hit and it's really not hard to see why. With hilarious writing and a spectacular cast, this series offered fans a inside look at Hollywood life, something no other series had ever done before. Apart from that, the show featured amazing celebrity cameos in just about every episode.
By now, fans know Entourage is somewhat based on Mark Wahlberg's real life. However, since it is not a reality series, the question over which parts are real and which are fiction is a hard one to ignore. Today, we will be looking specifically at which parts of the show are in line with Wahlberg's real-life and which were created purely for our entertainment.
13 The Idea Started As An Actual Reality Series, But Wahlberg Wasn't Interested
According to History vs Hollywood, Mark Wahlberg himself admitted to being asked first about a more traditional reality series. The website pulled a quote from an interview the actor did in 2015, "What an interesting thing it would be to follow me and my guys around with all the craziness that was going on within my movie career, my personal life and all this stuff. And I said absolutely not."
12 Ari Gold Is Based On Wahlberg's Real-Life Agent, Ari Emanuel
Jeremy Piven's portrayal of Ari Gold, the rude and aggressive agent of Vincent Chase, is no doubt the shining jewel of the entire series. While we've got to assume the dial was cranked up to the max while scripting this foul-mouthed character, he was actually based on Wahlberg's real-life agent, Ari Emanuel (this according the History vs Hollywood).
11 Many Of Ari Gold's Clients Are Actually Ari Emanuel's IRL
Ari Gold's office is always a fun place for a scene, because one never knows which hot shot celebs might appear. As reported by Rolling Stone, real-life Ari and Entourage Ari rep a few of the same names. Fans will remember Larry David coming in for a chat with Ari and as it turns out, David is repped by Emanuel IRL.
10 Aquaman Was An Underwater Nod To Wahlberg's First Blockbuster
Mark Wahlberg has starred in a ton of fantastic movies, but Aquaman was not one of them. However, in the show, the superhero tale did act as Vincent Chase's first blockbuster film. According to History vs Hollywood, Aquaman was chosen as an aquatic nod to Wahlberg's first blockbuster, The Perfect Storm.
9 In Real Life, Turtle Is Donkey
Turtle was easily the most likable guy in Vinnie's crew. As it turns out, the character was based around Wahlberg's old buddy, Donnie Carroll. Donnie unfortunately passed away back in 2005, though not before he made his thoughts on the show clear. According to Rolling Stone, Donnie was quoted saying "I've been by [Wahlberg's] side since Day One, and I got nothing [from Entourage]. Not 10 cents. Nothing."
8 Eric Murphy Is Actually A Combination Of 2 People From Wahlberg's Inner Circle
Eric 'E' Murphy was essential to Vincent Chase's success, as he was not only his closest friend but also his manager. In reality, the character comes from a combination of two people who've worked for and been friends with Wahlberg. The actor stated in an interview with IMDb ""E," is loosely based on a combination of the real "E," who was my assistant for twenty-some-odd years, and Lev, who's been my manager and producing partner."
7 Kevin Connolly (E) Isn't Part Of Wahlberg's Crew IRL, But He Is Part Of DiCaprio's
While none of the actors in Entourage actually grew up with Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Connolly, who played Eric "E" Murphy, is a real-life member of Leonardo DiCaprio's crew. As reported by Vanity Fair, Connolly met Wahlberg back in the day while hanging with DiCaprio on the set of the film, The Basketball Diaries.
6 Johnny Drama Is NOT Based On Donnie Wahlberg
Many fans have assumed over the years that Vinnie's Brother, Johnny Drama, must have been based on Wahlberg's real-life brother, Donnie Wahlberg. However, this is no the case. According to Rolling Stone, the character comes from Wahlberg's very close friend Johnny "Drama" Alves. He's actually appeared on Wahlberg's reality series, Wahlburgers.
5 Much Like Johnny Drama, Kevin Dillon Is The Lesser-Known Dillon Sibling
In maybe the most genius casting move ever, Kevin Dillon was chosen to play Vinnie's lesser-known brother, Johnny Drama. Kevin Dillon may not be famous for much outside of the HBO series, but he is in fact the sibling of movie star, Matt Dillon. This is just another great way Entourage managed to fuse reality with fiction.
4 In Terms Of Talent Agencies, MGA=WME
As mentioned, Ari Gold is based on real-life agent, Ari Emanuel. In the series, Ari opens Miller Gold Agency with friend/foe Barbara Miller. According to History vs Hollywood, the Miller Gold Agency comes from Emanuel's own business, William Morris Endeavor (for which he acts as co-CEO).
