Many top pool players of the 80s were part of the cast and/or provided assistance, such as Steve Mizerak ("The Miz"), who is the hefty player Eddie beats in Atlantic City; Jimmy Mataya ("Pretty Boy Floyd"), who is accompanying Julian (John Turturro) when he sees Eddie in Atlantic City; Keith McCready, who plays Grady Seasons. Others include Michael Sigel and Ewa Mataya Laurance (Jimmy Mataya's wife at the time), who acted as pro shot makers and advisors who set up the shots for the actors, and Howard Vickery, the bearded man in the montage of people whom Felson hustles.