Playbill.com has the scoop on Jeremy Piven's sudden departure from the acclaimed revival of Speed-the-Plow. Apparently, his recent spate of missed performances are all due to high levels of mercury, and his doctors (why do celebrities always have multiple doctors?) have advised him to leave the production.

Playwright David Mamet, however, doesn't seem to be taking Piven's poisoning seriously, saying that "My understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer." But mercury poisoning can be a very real complaint! Melrose Place's Daphne Zuniga (remember her?) suffered from it in 2004—symptoms include weak memory, crying spells and skin rashes—after eating fish four times a week. And Piven's excuse certainly smells a little fishy.

But now comes news that Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz and Academy Award nominee William H. Macy will both be coming to the show's rescue. Butz takes over the fast-talking role of Bobby Gould from December 23 through January 11, followed by Macy from January 13 through February 22. This could actually be the best thing to happen to a show starring only three actors which runs 85 minutes: Now everyone will want to see it again.

But seriously, feel better Jeremy Piven! Sorry your mercury levels rose too high for an hour and twenty-five minutes of work a night.

[Playbill]

Photo by Brigitte Lacombe