Forsythe noted that casting the main characters took considerable effort. Then actor (and future California governor and United States president) Ronald Reagan, who hosted "General Electric Theater" from 1954-1962, suggested Corcoran for the role, believing her to be a 'typical teenager' and closer to what a normal 13-year-old was like, which Forsythe agreed. Corcoran was already an experienced actress with movie and television roles to her credit. She was 18 years old when the program left the air and had virtually 'grown up' into a young woman during the show's run.