Only on Broadway: Jeremy Piven Abandons 'Speed-the-Plow'

Zap2It.com | December 18, 2008

Jeremy Piven

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William H. Macy and Norbert Leo Butz will take over his role

LOS ANGELES -- We know that pregnant women are supposed to stay away from certain types of fish due to their high mercury content, but didn't realize the metal could keep Emmy winners from performing on stage.

Yet, that appears to be the case with Jeremy Piven who has abruptly departed the Broadway revivial of David Mamet's Hollywood satire "Speed-the-Plow," according to Variety.

While the notably caustic playwright Mamet wryly commented that Piven may be seeking a new career as a thermometer, Piven's physican Dr. Carlon Colker says it's no laughing matter. He also insists it was his decision to pull Piven from the production, not the actor's.

"The etiology is unclear, but his level of mercury was uncharacteristically high, one of the highest we've seen," Colker says. "We're not sure if this is from his diet, which is high in fish, or Chinese herbs, which he's been a fan of in the past, or a combination of both. He needs convalescence and rest and treatment, and this will clear his body and he will be back in action very soon. Again, it was not his decision, it was mine, along with a board certified cardiologist from Yale who I won't name, but who has 29 years of experience."

Piven was committed to playing the role of producer Bobby Gould until late, but dropped out after missing Tuesday evening's performance as well as both Wednesday shows. Veteran actors William H. Macy and Norbert Leo Butz will take over the role beginning Tuesday, Dec. 23.