‘Entourage’ Star Sick From Mercury Poisoning - Sushi May Be Culprit

2009-01-09 07:02:38 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Entertainment, News)

Jeremy Piven is reportedly forced to stop Broadway performance due to mercury poisoning.

Wired PR News.com – ‘Entourage’ star Jeremy Piven has reportedly been diagnosed with mercury poisoning, which has left him unable to continue acting in the Broadway production of “Speed-the-Plow.” As reported by Reuters, the actor’s condition is thought to have been caused by a frequent consumption of sushi, which he was said to have often eaten twice daily.

The 43 year-old was stated to have six times the amount of mercury deemed healthy for one’s system. Piven has been ordered to rest as a result of his condition.

Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz and Emmy winner William H. Macy will share duties in taking over Piven’s role in the hit play. The show’s writer, David Mamet was quoted as commenting about Piven’s absence and diagnosis, “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.”