Entourage

An entourage is a group of people who surround and accompany a person of significance, such as a celebrity, political leader, or business figure. Members typically include personal assistants, managers, publicists, security personnel, friends, family, advisors, and other staff who help with scheduling, communications, appearances, and security. The term emphasizes the collective presence around the central figure rather than the individual alone.

The word derives from the French entourage, meaning those surrounding or accompanying someone. Historically linked to rulers and nobility, the term has broadened to describe any group providing support or companionship. Entourages vary in size and composition depending on context, status, and needs, and can carry either positive connotations of loyal support or negative ones related to flattery or dependence.

Entourages are common in industries where access and influence matter, including entertainment, sports, politics, and business. They can shape public perception, coordinate logistics, and influence decision-making, while also raising concerns about privilege, nepotism, or conflicts of interest. Managing an entourage involves balancing personal autonomy with the practical demands of visibility, privacy, and security.

In culture, “Entourage” is the title of an American television series that aired on HBO from 2004 to 2011, created by Doug Ellin, about a young actor and his circle of friends navigating Hollywood. A feature film adaptation followed in 2015. The concept of an entourage appears frequently in media and journalism as a shorthand for a high-profile individual’s surrounding network.