OVERLAY REPORT

In the film *Silver Linings Playbook* (2012), the oldest cast member at the time of filming was **Bernard Russell**, the father of the film's director, **David O. Russell**. ### Specific Details: * **Actor:** Bernard Russell (born December 31, 1928) * **Age at time of filming:** **82 years old** (he turned 83 shortly after principal photography wrapped in mid-December 2011). * **Role:** He appeared as one of the **Dance Judges** in the climactic ballroom dance competition scene at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. David O. Russell frequently includes family members in his films as a personal touch or to create a "family-like" atmosphere on set. In *Silver Linings Playbook*, his son **Matthew Russell** also appeared in a small role as the "nosy neighborhood kid" (Ricky D'Angelo) who repeatedly rings the Solitano's doorbell to ask about Pat’s mental health. Director David O. Russell has shared in interviews (such as with *Entertainment Weekly*) that casting his father was particularly meaningful. He mentioned that because his father was diabetic, he was constantly worried about him during the late-night shoots, even hiding a sandwich under the judge’s table to ensure he was eating. Among the **major credited cast**, the oldest member was **Robert De Niro** (born August 17, 1943), who was **68 years old** during filming in late 2011. He played the role of **Pat Solitano Sr.**, the obsessive-compulsive, Eagles-loving father of the protagonist. Other older cast members included **Patsy Meck** (born 1945), who was 66 and played the high school principal, **Nancy**; **Paul Herman** (born 1946), who was 65 and played **Randy**; and **Jacki Weaver** (born 1947), who was 64 and played **Dolores Solitano**.