Melvin Udall, a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive writer of romantic fiction, is rude to everyone he meets, including his gay neighbor, Simon. After Simon is hospitalized, Melvin finds his life turned upside down when he has to look after Simon's dog. In addition, Carol, the only waitress at the local diner who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast.
Jack Nicholson
as Melvin Udall
Helen Hunt
as Carol Connelly
Greg Kinnear
as Simon Bishop
Cuba Gooding Jr.
as Frank Sachs
Shirley Knight
as Beverly Connelly
Jesse James
as Spencer Connelly
Yeardley Smith
as Jackie Simpson
Lupe Ontiveros
as Nora Manning
Skeet Ulrich
as Vincent Lopiano
Harold Ramis
as Dr. Bettes
Bibi Osterwald
as Neighbor Woman
Ross Bleckner
as Carl