Jeremy Piven, star of television's "Entourage," unexpectedly left "Speed-the-Plow" over the weekend because of a high mercury count, Daily Variety reported Thursday.
Producer Jeffrey Richards says Norbert Leo Butz and William H. Macy will replace Piven in the critically praised Broadway revival of David Mamet's comedy.
Mamet reportedly expressed skepticism about Piven's health claims, but the actor's doctor defended the decision to leave the show less than two months after it opened.
"Jeremy has been a trouper, and did everything he could to fight extreme fatigue, among other things, since the condition was diagnosed," Dr. Carlon Colker told Variety. "It was not his decision to step away from this play; it was mine. I think it was in the best interests of his health to do that."
Butz, a Tony winner for his role in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," will play Piven's role Dec. 23 through Jan. 11, and Macy takes over for the rest of the run, Jan. 13 through Feb. 22.
Mamet's three-character play about Hollywood glamour, sex and power also stars Elisabeth Moss of TV's "Mad Men" and Raul Esparza.
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