The man who inspired the character 'Turtle' on HBO's Entourage, Donnie "Donkey" Carroll, died this past weekend of an asthma attack (The Boston Herald's Inside Track.) Death by an asthma attack is a scary thing. I've lived with the condition all my life so my worst nightmares have always involved not getting enough (or any) air.Carroll carried Donnie Wahlberg’s bags for more than 14 years whilst trying to launch a career as a rap musician under the name Murda One. Wahlberg based the womenizing, hummer-driving, rap-producing, lovable pothead Turtle (played by Jerry Ferrerra) after him. Recently Carroll took issue w/ not being compensated for this appropriation of his 'embodiment' and complained to the press, but the two were apparently still on friendly terms.
The other characters are also based on long-time friends. 'Johnny Drama' (played by Kevin Dillon) is based on cousin and struggling actor John Alves (who's nickname is Johnny Drama. Kevin Connelly plays Eric ('E') who is based on Bronx friend Eric Wienstein, whom he met on the set of The Basketball Diaries. And Jeremy Piven plays Ari Gold, who is a send-up on Wahlberg's real-life manager Ari Emanuel.
In honor of 'Donkey', the lights of a few bongs will be burning bright this holiday season, although, asthmatics like me may want to refrain from the smoke inhilation as it's own tribute.
Bonus playlist:
Play it: Entourage Season 1
Previously:
Hearbreak Vince (Entourage season 2 finale)
tags: playlist, entourage, television, soundtrack, donnie carroll, turtle
1 comment:
this is donnie carrolls daughter stefanie, and i just wanted too say thankyou for writing this, haha it made me smile.. i miss my dad so much everyday.. but his spirit lives on. thanks.
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