jeremy-pivenJeremy Piven had to end his run in Broadway’s Speed-the-Plow due to not feeling well and having a “high mercury count”. Read more on Jeremy Piven and his “extreme mercury toxicity” below.

JActor Jeremy Piven, 43, has told producers that he hasn’t been feeling well due to a “high mercury count.”

But playwright David Mamet is skeptical.

“I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury,” Mamet said. “So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer.”

But apparently this isn’t a joking matter, it’s being reported Piven is truly ill.

From Variety:

The show will still go on through February, Mamet said. Replacing Piven are Norbert Leo Butz, who begins Dec. 23, and William H Macy, who joins the cast Jan. 13.

“The good news is that some really great actors will be helping out and stepping in, which to me is a sign of great heroism and friendship,” he said.

The New York Post has reported that at Wednesday’s matinee, about 300 theater patrons requested refunds after it was announced that Piven was MIA.

Piven’s rep said the actor wished to continue the show, which opened Oct. 23, but that doctors advised him to leave immediately.

Let’s hope Jeremy Piven will feel better soon!