I
know he’s done small parts in other Pixar films, but I’d assume there was more reason than that behind the
decision to cast him in a leading role.
The situation actually makes me think of Jack Mercer, who played
Popeye in the majority of those cartoons - I think the way Mr. Mercer was cast as Popeye was that he was
“discovered” by someone who overheard jim doing impressions in the break room or something, but I’m
fuzzy on the whole story. 
Well, no matter why he was cast, I think Mr. Romano is fantastic in the
role. I love Linguini to bits, but I have to admit that his character comes off a bit… pathetic? Well, at
least at the beginning of the movie. 
For a character like that, the wrong voice could have taken him
from adorable to obnoxious very easily. I actually think that the audience’s reaction to him will come from the
voice more than the other characters in the movie (For example, not to diss Patton or anything, because he also
does a stellar job as well, but even if he hadn’t I think Remy would have been well liked on the strength of his
character alone.)
I’m trying to make a point here, but I’m kind of falling all over myself doing it.
I guess what I mean is that, I’m sure Linguini grows into a strong character as the movie goes on, but
people could easily be turned off by him at the beginning if the voice didn’t fit juuuust right. So I’m really
impressed at the job Mr. Romano does, and even more impressed that Pixar decided to go with someone who wasn’t a
professional actor in a role that’s both a lead character and a role where a lot is
riding on the voice. I’d really be interested in hearing the process behind it (And I’m kind of surprised that
it didn’t come up in the podcast about Linguini!)
And