Jodie Foster

 Jodie Foster was interested in playing the role of Clarice Starling in 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" immediately after reading Thomas Harris' novel, and even tried buying the rights to the novel herself. However, in spite of the fact that Foster had just won an Academy Award for her performance in "The Accused" (1988), Demme was not convinced that she was right for the role. Having just collaborated on "Married to the Mob" (1988), Demme's first choice for the role of Starling was Michelle Pfeiffer, who turned it down, later saying, "It was a difficult decision, but I got nervous about the subject matter." He then approached Meg Ryan, who turned it down as well for its gruesome themes, and then Laura Dern, of whom the studio was skeptical as not being a bankable choice. As a result, Foster was awarded the role due to her passion towards the character.

Part of Foster's deal for doing this movie was that Orion Pictures would allow her to direct a movie, which ended up being "Little Man Tate" (1991).

Foster spent a great deal of time with FBI agent Mary Ann Krause prior to filming. Krause gave Foster the idea of Starling standing by her car crying. Krause told Foster that at times, the work just became so overwhelming that it was a good way to get an emotional release.

After years of being actively involved in getting the sequel to the film, 2001's "Hannibal" (with no less than fifteen drafts of the screenplay reviewed and rejected), Foster ultimately declined to participate in the sequel. She issued a statement at the time saying "I had been offered more money than ever in my entire career to make this film. But who cares if it betrays Clarice, who has become like a person to me, in the end?"