Jeremy Piven's Oscar-worthy performance sways Actors' Union (details of his rare mercury poisoning)

[Omaha Steve]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/02/jere...

In a three-hour performance for the Actors' Equity Union, award-winning "Entourage" star Jeremy Piven did the finest work in his acting career as he wept real tears (no onions, folks!) while describing the horrendous details of his rare mercury poisoning.

He was so good, he managed to convince five of the 10 panelists that life-threatening mercury poisoning was the cause for his leaving "Speed the Plow" and was in no way a violation of his union contract




The result: He doesn't have to pay any money for breach of contract, reports New York magazine. Bravo! Encore! Give it up for the J-Man!

The five other panel members, all reportedly producers, were not nearly so moved by his tears.

Producers. Bah! What do they know about fine acting and the toll it takes?

FULL story at link.