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Breaking Away - actors, characters and roles

All actors and their roles in the film "Breaking Away"

Breaking Away (1979)

Timing: 1:40 (100 min)

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Actors and characters

Character Dave Stoller

Character Mike

Character Cyril

Character Moocher

Character Evelyn Stoller

Character Ray Stoller

Character Katherine

Character Rod

Character Nancy

Character Doctor

Character Mike's Brother

Lisa Shure

Character French Girl

Jennifer K. Mickel

Character Girl

Character Suzy

The character of Dave Stoller, played by Dennis Christopher, is based on David K. Blazey, who loved everything Italian and once led his team to victory in the 'Little 500' bicycle race. Blazey played an episodic role as a commentator in the film.
Initially, director Peter Yates (1929-2011) was promised 20,000 student actors for the filming of the final bicycle race. Only 3,000 students showed up on set, forcing Peter Yates to make changes to the shooting schedule.
When Dave confesses to Katherine that he is a local, not Italian, she turns to leave, then turns back and slaps him. According to director Peter Yates, the actress did not hold back and hit him full force. Six takes of this scene were filmed.
P.J. Soles, who is fluent in French, initially auditioned for the role of a French woman. She arrived at the audition wearing a black wig and speaking with a French accent. The role had already been cast by that point, and P.J. Soles received the role of Susie. Later, she wore the same black wig in Howard Zieff’s comedy 'Private Benjamin' (1980).

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