Joe Rogan ended up playing Joe Garrelli, of course. But originally, Ray Romano was cast to play the handyman role (then named Rick). What are your thoughts on this character? Do you think Ray would have been good in the role? Did you like Rick? And what happened to him? (I know it was just the pilot, but I wonder about these things)

Originally posted by TVAdam
Joe Rogan ended up playing Joe Garrelli, of course. But originally, Ray Romano was cast to play the handyman role (then named Rick). What are your thoughts on this character? Do you think Ray would have been good in the role? Did you like Rick? And what happened to him? (I know it was just the pilot, but I wonder about these things)

I haven't actually seen the pilot episode but I do not think Ray Romano would be as good as Joe Rogan in the handyman role. I just think that Joe fits the handyman role well, and Ray fits the father role well on ELR.

Personally, I'm glad Ray Romano was replaced by Joe Rogan. No offense to Ray, but NewsRadio really doesn't seem like his type of show. Joe was far better.

i dont think that Ray Romano would have fit in, he doesnt suit the environment of an office, hes much better in his show now.

Originally posted by Kimbo
i dont think that Ray Romano would have fit in, he doesnt suit the environment of an office, hes much better in his show now.

I agree. And in the end it worked out well. "NewsRadio" got Joe Rogan. And Ray went onto his own sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond."

exactly and i really didnt like rick (the guy on the first episode). joe was funny -aliens ahaha- and how he took off his shirt to impress catherine that was really funny

Was Ray Romano even in the pilot? I heard he was fired before they even began filming. I don't remember seeing him in the pilot at all. I remember Rick and the other woman who played Catherine, but not Ray.

no he wasnt in it, i guess he was fired the day before. i think i heard that lisa was cast the day before the show started. is that true?

Originally posted by Kimbo
no he wasnt in it, i guess he was fired the day before. i think i heard that lisa was cast the day before the show started. is that true?

I think so. I know Lisa was the last character to be cast. Of course, not including Joe and Khandi who joined the show in episode 2.

No Ray Romano was not in the pilot, he was fired and replaced by Greg Lee. I just mentioned him since at one point he was going to play the "Joe" character. They didn't call him Joe until Joe Rogan was cast.

Joe Rogan was fine, but I think Ray Romano would've been perfect in the role. It would've been interesting to see his personality in that role. Anyway I've always found it far fetched that the electrician would always join in on the staff meetings-- & the show would've been much more believable without the character. They should've dropped the character alltogether, Catherine was always underused & there were som any characters vying for time. Catherine could've had more airtime & attention given to her & she probably wouldn't have left.