Jeremy Piven Full of Mercury

By Jacy Wojcik in News on Dec 18, 2008 8:45PM

Evanston native Jeremy Piven has left the hit Broadway revival of David Mamet's "Speed The Plow" due to high levels of mercury. Yep, lots of mercury all in his body. Piven's exit does not come without skepticsm, specifically from Mamet himself: "I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury. So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."

Piven's physician, Dr. Carlon Colker, asserts that it is a serious matter, insensitive remarks are unwarranted, and it was his decision for Piven to leave the play. The mercury culprit is being assessed but Colker speculates it's from his diet high in fish or Chinese herbs. Regardless, Piven will be resting and detoxing while William H. Macy and Norbert Leo Butz will take over for for the remaining two months of the run. [Variety, Reuters]

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson