Jeremy Piven Eats Too Much Sushi

Actor Jeremy Piven has been forced to withdrawal from the Broadway show, Speed-the-Plow, due to a health crisis, reported the New York Times. The Entourage actor's doctor has requested that Piven stop performing due to the elevated levels of mercury found in his bloodstream. The cause of the excessive mercury may be the sushi the actor was consuming.

Piven's doctor, Dr. Carlon M. Colker, stated in a telephone interview Thursday that the actor had been complaining of fatigue and exhaustion. Initial tests proved normal, and it wasn't until Piven mentioned he was eating fish twice a day that Dr. Colker checked for heavy metals. Dr. Colker said that Piven could continue the show, but could not work as hard. However, Piven was later hospitalized. Wednesday night his publicist, Samantha Mast, wrote an e-mail stating, "His doctors have advised him that he should end his run immediately."

Norbert Leo Butz will take over Piven's role from Tuesday through January 11, and William H. Macy will perform from January 13 through February 22. Piven is expected to make a full recovery.