The filmmakers were able to cast G.W. Bailey in his cameo role ("Man at Crosswalk with Dog") in part because he was an acquaintance of Jeremy Denzlinger ("Kyle Thompson"). (Though both actors hail from the Port Arthur, Texas area, they did not meet until Bailey began patronizing an Italian restaurant near their hometown, where Denzlinger was bar-tending during college.) The two actors had stayed in touch intermittently, and with Denzlinger serving as intermediary by calling Bailey, the producer got on the phone and convinced the venerable character actor to accept the small, non-speaking, nameless part, which the filmmakers and cast had come to reference as "Gay Man on Corner with Dog," and was the only role not filled during rigorous casting sessions. Bailey readily agreed to accept the role, as a boon to his protégé's career, and his hilarious performance became an audience favorite.