Jeremy Piven – who is now the world’s most famous thermometer thanks to writer David Mamet – got thoroughly bashed by his “Speed the Plow” cast mates. He clearly wasn’t popular with Raul Esparza and Elizabeth Moss, and they’re obviously either not buying or don’t care about his reason for leaving the play. Piven has extreme mercury toxicity, according to his doctor.
Actor Jeremy Piven apparently wasn’t so popular with his Broadway cast mates in the revival of David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow.”
After yesterday’s matinee, the remaining actors — Raul Esparza and Elizabeth Moss — bashed Piven to their audience after their curtain call.
Piven left the show last week, claiming he had mercury poisoning. He’d been playing opposite Esparza and Moss in the three character play for just a couple of months.
Sources say that when the matinee was finished yesterday, Esparza suddenly addressed the audience. (Actor Jordan Lage, Piven’s understudy, played the role of Bobby Gould.)
According to those who saw this, Esparza — famous for being outspoken — reamed Piven while Moss, my sources say, “sobbed.”
“’He said, I’m sure you’ve read the headlines about the silliness in our show.’ Then he said, ‘Today was the first time I really enjoyed playing this show. I hope you weren’t expecting a big TV star.’ It was pretty emotional.”
[From Fox News]
I’m assuming this supposed reaming involved more than what Fox quoted above. I don’t really consider that “reaming” by any measure. Nor is it “pretty emotional.” Though I’m confused about why Elizabeth Moss was crying over the whole ordeal. Perhaps just general frustration. No matter what, Esparza’s comments clearly were not said with any sympathy towards Jeremy Piven.
A lot of websites and articles seem to think his excuse is bull. And the guy does have the reputation of being a complete jerk, which I think is why people are reticent about believing him. But you’d think if Piven wanted to leave the show and was just looking for an excuse, he would have come up with something more common and easily accepted than what is now being labeled as Sushigate.
His role will be filled by Oscar nominee William H. Macy, who Fox notes has “performed the David Mamet play in the past, [and will be] taking over for the duration of the run.”
Here’s Jeremy Piven at the Primetime Emmy Awards on 9/21/08. Credit: PRPhotos
Jeremy Who???
You never hear of anyone saying something nice about him.
I’m starting to see a pattern here.
what a douche. Mercury poisoning, that’s what he comes up with?
The only character this guy can play is an asshole…wonder why??? Hell, if he really had to be such a coward and find and excuse to leave a difficult situation he created, then rehab would have worked better…people can believe that! It might have even helped his image, he coulda blamed bein’ a self entitled asshole on the drugs! Then he coulda made an album called “circus” about how the drugs made him crazy, and everyone would feel sorry for him, o wait…too late, Syko Spoiled Bitch Britney beat ya to it. Mercury poisoning it is then.
he always looks sweaty…in every photo, sweaty and bleary. what’s up with that?
I love Ari Gold!!!! He is fantastic on that show and I have never heard any of his Entourage castmates ever say anything bad about him and if he were such a jerk why would he always win the awards aren’t they voted on by his peers?
I love Elizabeth Moss, watch Mad Men. It is another amazing tv show.
William H. Macy? He’s their BACKUP actor? Wow, that’s like getting your Toyota stolen and having to make do with a Corvette.
Seriously, a TV (and occasional movie)actor who is known for being difficult, versus a well-respected Oscar nominee? Sounds like the only loser in this deal is Piven.
Spot on Bryan
While I personally would rather have a toyota than a ‘vet.. Macy is a total upgrade!
What an ass. Is that rug stapled into his brain or something?
The Piv is a mega-douche. I wouldn’t put it past him that he would make up the whole mercury poisoning thing. Although it possible that he could have it too, I’ve heard stranger things have happened after eating tons of sushi.
The Piv is sweaty because he does massive amounts of coke with Hohan probably…
Mercury toxicity is a very real problem/illness. Its a shame that this actor is being ridiculed and villified for having it.
I hope he is not stupid enough to do drugs.
He is a fantastic actor, and one of the best TV has to offer, so I reallt hope he will get over whatever it is.
I hope he is not getting near that a certain twin rich sister who once was a child star and is known to like drugs (and frumpy clothing…).
Bryan: Lol! So true.
It’s sad to hear the repeated observation that Jeremy Piven behaves like a jerk. I know he takes his craft very seriously, and he certainly comes from good stock; his late father, Byrne Piven, was a fine actor who was well liked and admired, especially here in Chicago. His mother, Joyce Piven, is equally well known and respected.
I hope Piven reigns in his ego and remembers where he comes from. He owes his parents that much…
actors and various creative types leave shows/projects all the time, for various reasons. unfortunately it seems jeremy piven is not well-liked so his choice to leave, whether the mercury situation is legit or not, is being used as fuel for the negative hype that’s already going on about him. i have no idea whether he’s a douche or not but i’m guessing he’s overall a harmless guy whose ego hasn’t quite accepted that he’s not as handsome or as tall as he is in his own mind…. the really important thing in this situation, IMO, is how terribly unprofessional esperaza and moss were in this situation, if this report is true. a direct address to the audience? crying out of character while still on stage? addressing gossip and rumors in the workspace? it’s a sign of the end times. they should both be fired for it.
Moss is absolutely dreadful in the play. You could stick a wig on William Shatner and get the exact same performance.
Wm H Macy was fine, but miscast and long-in-the-tooth for the part, but at least he showed up.