NEW YORK, N.Y. - Jeremy Piven has abruptly left David Mamet's Broadway hit Speed-the-Plow, citing doctor's orders after it was discovered that the three-time Emmy award-winning actor had elevated levels of mercury.
"I pulled Jeremy from the show," Dr. Carlon Colker said to People magazine. "I'm an unpopular character right now."
Piven's Broadway performance garnered rave reviews, with shows regularly sold out. Wednesday, though, he didn't show up for the matinee, prompting some 300 would-be theater-goers to demand a refund.
People magazine reports that Colker measured Piven's heavy metal levels after the actor began complaining of fatigue, and found his mercury levels "almost six times the upper limit of normal and allowable."
Colker said Piven should be ready to return to his role as Ari Gold on HBO's Entourage in March.
"He just needs to really lay low and rest," said Colker.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Mercurious? Jeremy Piven Pulls Outta the "Plow"
Jeremy Piven has bailed on David Mamet's Broadway hit Speed-the-Plow 10 weeks early.
The Piv's doctor, Carlon Colker, said the Emmy award-winner has elevated mercury levels, which means we won't be seeing Ari from Entourage on Broadway any longer. According to Us Weekly, Piv's love of sushi may be to blame.
This, of course, has nothing to do with Jeremy's L.A. homesickness or the workload -- eight shows a week for next to no money (relatively speaking) is a lot for a guy who already has a Hollywood Hills home, a Malibu home, and a new $1.5MM apartment to dress up in NY's trendy Tribeca neighborhood.
People reports that Tony-winner Norbert Leo Butz will take Piv's part starting Dec. 23rd and William H. Macy will take over Jan. 13.
And what's Mamet response to Piv's plight?
"I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury," Mamet said. "So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."
Pivs and Mamet will probably be able to hug it out.
In the meantime, I'm scared to eat tuna fish sandwiches anymore.
Here's Piven's original thoughts on doing B'way:
Thoughts?
The Piv's doctor, Carlon Colker, said the Emmy award-winner has elevated mercury levels, which means we won't be seeing Ari from Entourage on Broadway any longer. According to Us Weekly, Piv's love of sushi may be to blame.
This, of course, has nothing to do with Jeremy's L.A. homesickness or the workload -- eight shows a week for next to no money (relatively speaking) is a lot for a guy who already has a Hollywood Hills home, a Malibu home, and a new $1.5MM apartment to dress up in NY's trendy Tribeca neighborhood.
People reports that Tony-winner Norbert Leo Butz will take Piv's part starting Dec. 23rd and William H. Macy will take over Jan. 13.
And what's Mamet response to Piv's plight?
"I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury," Mamet said. "So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."
Pivs and Mamet will probably be able to hug it out.
In the meantime, I'm scared to eat tuna fish sandwiches anymore.
Here's Piven's original thoughts on doing B'way:
Jeremy Piven celebrates Emmy Win - watch more funny videos
Thoughts?
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