Is Entourage based on Mark Wahlberg and his friends? Explained

Entourage is a comedy series that was originally released on HBO from 2004 to 2011. The show centers around a group of friends navigating a career in Hollywood during the 90s. The protagonist, named Vincent Chase, was essayed by actor Adrian Grenier.

The show was based on Mark Wahlberg, a Hollywood music star and actor who entered the industry in the 90s. Vincent's friend circle in the series was also based on Wahlberg's real-life childhood and Hollywood friends.

The official summary of Entourage reads:

"Film star, Vince Chase, navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty agent."

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What aspects of Mark Wahlberg's life are included in Entourage?

Entourage focuses on Vince Chase figuring out his way through Hollywood, heavily inspired by Mark Wahlberg's life and trajectory. The series used Wahlberg's businesses for inspiration and replicated his clothing line, gym studio, restaurant chain, and production company on the show.

It also acknowledged his film career and emphasized the people around him who made him who he was. However, many of the characters' real-life counterparts had violent pasts or complex issues. Some of these were toned down for the audience. All in all, the series used real people for inspiration but the characters were only loosely based on them.

Around 10 years after the final season of Entourage ended, HBO released a six-part long docuseries called Wahl Street. This documentary did not cast other actors or use characters for inspiration. Instead, it followed the life of Mark Wahlberg as it really was. The new show was shot before and a bit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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What is Entourage about? Plot and cast members explored

A piece of media surrounding Mark Wahlberg's life was initially conceptualized as a book named From the 'Hood to Hollywood, A Soldier's Story. However, the showrunners of Entourage wanted to adapt fictional elements into the new adapted TV story, instead of making it a documentary.

The show was crafted in a way that did not depict some of Wahlberg and his friends' criminal backgrounds. The makers believed that it would not sit well with the audience in a comedy genre.

Thus, the eight-season series took on a lighter tone and just loosely based characters on Wahlberg's friend circle. The themes of the show revolve around male friendship and navigating one's way through Hollywood and its lifestyle.

The cast of the show mainly includes Vincent, three of his closest friends, and his agent. These are the titular characters that feature most consistently across the storyline. The main cast of the show is listed as follows:

• Adrian Grenier as Vincent Chase, based on actor and musician Mark Wahlberg.
• Kevin Connolly Eric "E" Murphy, based on Mark Wahlberg's friend and associate producer Eric Weinstein. E is Vincent's best friend on the show.
• Kevin Dillon as Johnny "Drama" Chase, based on Johnny "Drama" Alves. Drama is Vincent's older half-brother on the show and Wahlberg's cousin in real life.
• Jerry Ferrara Salvatore "Turtle" Assante, Vincent's childhood friend. The character is inspired by Walberg's gofer Donnie Carroll.
• Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold, Vincent's agent. The role is based on Wahlberg's real-life agent, Ari Emanuel.

Many actors have also made cameos and guest appearances on Entourage, including Christina Aguilera, Tom Brady, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, Matt Damon, Eminem, LeBron James, Mark Cuban, and many more.