Charlie Sheen is entering rehab and will take a break from the hit CBS comedy "Two and a Half Men," which is shutting down production while he’s in treatment.
"As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility," Stan Rosenfeld, Sheen’s publicist, said in a statement Tuesday. "He will take some time off his series ‘Two and a Half Men.’ He has asked that his privacy be honored. No further statements are planned."
It was not immediately clear how Sheen’s absence would affect the show’s schedule. The half-hour comedy was in production this week on the 19th episode of its 23-episode run; but like most shows, "Two and a Half Men" is in reruns while the Olympics are on NBC. It could conceivably have enough material banked to hold it over while the actor goes through treatment.
In a joint statement from CBS entertainment head Nina Tassler, Warners TV president Peter Roth and Chuck Lorre, "Two and a Half Men" executive producer, said they support their star.
“CBS, Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre support Charlie Sheen in his decision today to begin voluntary in-patient care at a treatment center," the statement said. "We wish him nothing but the best as he deals with this personal matter. Production on ‘Two and a Half Men’ will be temporarily suspended.”