Produced despite heavy misgivings in the film industry. When film star Richard Gere accepted a small role, he broke the taboos--at grave risk to his career--about both the subject and major film stars taking small parts in TV productions. Subsequently Steve Martin, Alan Alda, Phil Collins and Anjelica Huston were willing to appear.
Mary Guinan, the role played by Glenne Headly, was Nevada's State Health Officer in the early 2000s. She has since retired.