Yes, I heard Charles Grodin turned the role down which is disappointing.
It was unfortunately out of necessity. He was filming another movie somewhere else and didn't want to have to fly out all the way to film one scene. I find that a bit on the obstinate side, but it happens. Still, wish they could get a pick up shot... or at LEAST the rights to use his likeness on a newspaper.
Cloris is a prime example of someone who pops up from time to time in various projects... needless to say, she wasn't all too thrilled that she wasn't offered her movie role in the Young Frankenstein musical. But every so often, she'll be a regular, if not co-star of a TV show (Raising Hope. dunno why she isn't listed in the main cast as she's in almost every episode, and they drew her into the opening titles). Betty White became popular again (unfortunately through internet meme I think she needs MORE respect than that... but it did work), and now she has several prime roles in TV shows and movies.Yeah Cloris Leachman is more popular lately than she ever was it seems. It's amazing to see how some of these actors have completely had a whole "resurgence" in recent years.
That's the thing with Hollywood. We never know who will ever go on to bigger and better things, and who will be a flavor of the month. Only thing I can predict is that girl from Precious they're going to force her into a deal with Jenny Craig, and she still won't find regular work anyway. It's a real shame, actually. But that's just an odd tangent I wanted to mention.