Carolyn Farina was cast as Audrey after director Whit Stillman's wife ran into her while shopping at Macy's. Farina, who worked in the perfume section, had no previous acting experience.
Linda Gillies, who played Audrey's mother, is the mother of Isabel Gillies, who played Cynthia McLean. Linda got the role as Mrs. Rouget after director Whit Stillman saw her during her visit on the set with her daughter and thought she looked motherly.
According to Edward Clements, Whit Stillman wanted him to play the character of a seminary-type student who discusses the Bible with the group. Stillman later axed the character and had Clements play Tom Townsend.
Edward Clements, who played Tom Townsend, acted in only one more movie (Star Trek VI : Terre inconnue (1991)). He became a born-again Christian after the film and is now a pastor in Toronto.