Jeremy Piven is ending his run in Broadway’s “Speed-the-Plow,” due to a condition caused by a high mercury count, according to Variety.
The “Entourage” star missed a Tuesday evening performance and a Wednesday matinee due to his high mercury count health concerns, but David Mamet, the playwright of “Speed-the-Plow,” appears skeptical of the actor’s exit.
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“I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury,” Mamet told the entertainment trade mag. “So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer.”
But, the show will go on said Mamet.
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“The good news is that some really great actors will be helping out and stepping in, which to me is a sign of great heroism and friendship,” the playwright added, but declined to name who would be stepping for Piven.
A rep for Piven told Variety that the actor wanted to continue his Broadway stint, but was advised by a team of doctors to end his run immediately.
Piven is best known for his role on “Entourage,” playing manic Hollywood agent Ari Gold. Piven has been nominated for a Golden Globe and two SAG Awards for his role on the HBO comedy.
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