Drawing on his own experiences as a kid working at Disneyland, Martin created the character Dave, a gofer at a studio who holds the keys to every room in the place. As Bowfinger's cameraman, he is the one who provides the 'borrowed' equipment with which they use to shoot their masterpiece. Jamie Kennedy jumped at the chance to work with Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy.

Kennedy says, "Both of these guys have been idols of mine since I was kid. It's a dream come true."

Completing Bowfinger's inner circle are Slater and Afrim, played by Kohl Sudduth and Adam Alexi-Malle respectively. A Tom Cruise wannabe, Slater is a young actor who feels he has 'it’… that something special, just waiting to be discovered. Afrim is an Iranian accountant who pens Bowfinger's ticket to the big time, believing that his new career as screenwriter will open up a world of limitless opportunities.

On the other end of the spectrum, in a world of success and power alien to Bowfinger and his crew, are characters Terry Stricter and Jerry Renfro. Misguided and paranoid, Kit Ramsey seeks solace from Terry Stricter (Terence Stamp), a scheming self-help guru who preys on the weaknesses and insecurities of people with deep pockets.

Of his role, Stamp says, "He's a power freak with all the answers. He doesn't have them of course, but thinks he has and conveys as much to Ramsey."

Robert Downey Jr. plays studio executive Jerry Renfro who unwittingly starts Bowfinger on the road to getting his movie realized. In describing his approach to the character, Downey relied solely on his own knowledge and experience dealing with young Hollywood executives.