The H Is Over

Jeremy Piven is less Ari Gold than that sniveling little T.A. bitch in Old School:

A real-life fish story has resulted in Jeremy Piven’s withdrawal from the current Broadway revival of the David Mamet comedy “Speed-the-Plow.”

Mr. Piven, the actor and “Entourage” star, left the production this week after having previously sought an early release from the play. Mr. Piven’s doctor said he should not continue to perform because he was suffering from elevated levels of mercury, which may have been the result of large amounts of fish in his diet.

Though there’s still a little Ari Gold in there somewhere:

Mr. Piven had asked earlier this month to be released from the show a week or two ahead of its Feb. 22 closing date, saying that he was exhausted, Jeffrey Richards, a producer of “Speed-the-Plow,” said. Later, Mr. Richards said, the show’s schedule was modified so that Mr. Piven would be able to attend the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 11.

After making this accommodation, Mr. Richards said, he was informed by Mr. Piven’s representatives that the actor would not return to the show after the Golden Globes. Mr. Piven, he said, had spoken to other actors and managers in an effort to find his own replacement.

“It was rather unusual,” Mr. Richards said. “He was trying to be quote-unquote helpful.”

. . .

At least one person associated with the play seemed less forgiving about Mr. Piven’s departure. Speaking to Daily Variety, Mr. Mamet said, “My understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer.”