Piven Calls His Abrupt B'way Departure 'Humbling'

Jeremy Piven, pictured at the 2009 Golden Globe awards, says his decision to abruptly leave the Broadway revival of "Speed-the-Plow" in mid-run because of mercury poisoning was "a completely humbling experience."

(Matt Sayles/AP Photo )

Jeremy Piven says his decision to abruptly leave the Broadway revival of "Speed-the-Plow" in mid-run because of mercury poisoning was "a completely humbling experience."

Speaking publicly Sunday for the first time about the incident, Piven told former football star Tiki Barber during NBC's Golden Globes red-carpet show: "I don't know if they've ever taken you out of a game or if you've had to kind of stop a season short, but that's basically what the doctors did to me. I could have gone against doctors orders. I didn't. I'm just grateful to be here to be honest with you."

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Piven, a Golden Globe nominee for his role on HBO's "Entourage," departed the critically praised production of David Mamet's comedy in December, less than two months after the show opened in New York. His doctor told the show's producers that Piven was "seriously ill and unable to fulfill his contractual obligation to 'Speed-the-Plow.'"

Piven's "Plow" understudy, Jordan Lage, jumped in for a week of performances and was followed by Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz Dec. 23-Jan. 11. William H. Macy, a longtime friend of Mamet's, takes over the role Tuesday and will appear in the play through Feb. 22, the end of its limited engagement.

"Speed-the-Plow" also stars Elisabeth Moss and Raul Esparza.

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