America Ferrera was cast as the titular character, after Hayek approached her about the role. Ferrera said she read the script and "fell in love with the character". Ferrera compared Betty to Bridget from "Bridget Jones's Diary", calling her an "underdog". In February 2006, Christian Toto from "The Washington Times" reported that Eric Mabius had joined the cast as Daniel Meade, the son of the publisher who was made editor-in-chief of "MODE". Actress Charlotte Ross was originally cast as Wilhelmina Slater, but she pulled out before filming to join the pilot for ABC comedy show "Pink Collar". Vanessa L. Williams replaced Ross.