Originally, Tony Randall was hired to voice Templeton. When Randall used his "sophisticated" voice, the director said he wanted something more nasal. Randall suggested Paul Lynde.

Was considered for the role of the conceited, phony, skirt-chasing pianist.

Randall had been cast as a brash playboy in the WW II drama featuring Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift but was shoved aside through the manipulations of a powerful talent agency.