Jeremy Piven’s withdrawal from David Mamet’s Broadway play “Speed-the-Plow” on account of sushi intoxication has earned the actor sneers, ironies and little empathy, but interest for this particular subject continues.

 

Jeremy Piven, of “Entourage” HBO series fame, made an abrupt exit this week from the above-mentioned play, citing health issues. He had played the part of Hollywood hotshot Bobby Gould to good reviews from critics since October and was under contract until mid-February but missed several performances. He then said he suffered from a health condition “attributable to a high mercury count” and that he would end his participation immediately.

 

Playwright David Mamet initially showed little compassion for the actor (make that none whatsoever), telling Variety that he had talked with Piven on the phone and had come to understand the actor would leave show business “to pursue a career as a thermometer.” Ouch.

Jeremy Piven benefited from the official confirmation of his physician, celebrity doctor Carlon Colker, who appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” show Friday. Colker explained his client presented six times the normal limit of mercury, either because he ate sushi twice a day for years or because of the Chinese herbs he was taking - or both.

 

Colker made a plea to the world to call him if they saw Piven indulging in sushi.

 

“Speed-the-Plow” will continue its run though, with Academy Award-nominated actor William H. Macy replacing Jeremy Piven.

Meanwhile, Piven will receive medical attention. His doctor said he has been ordered to bed rest, following three days spent in a hospital. Piven is also taking dietary supplements to protect his organ system function and to clear the mercury from the body.

Fish is absolutely not allowed on his menu, at least for the following “few weeks to a couple of months.”