Even if you’re having trouble buying Jeremy Piven‘s fishy excuse, there’s no denying the actor’s appeal.

Last week, the Entourage star abruptly pulled out of his Broadway engagement due to a reportedly high level of mercury. The producers of Speed-the-Plow were then forced to find last-minute find replacements for Piven’s role as Bobby Gould. (Norbert Butz began his stint on Tuesday; William H. Macy finishes the run starting January 11.)

Unfortunately, Jeremy’s absence has already had a huge effect on the production’s box office numbers. In the few days while Jordan Lage was substituting, ticket sales for the week fell nearly $160,000 to $326,559. The actors also performed to houses that were only half full. But Piven was, surprisingly, not missed. At least not by former co-star Raul Esparza.