How is Howard 's mother captured as the typical Jewish mother stereotype ?
Kevin Kline as Howard Brackett , an English teacher Joan Cusack as Emily Montgomery , Howard 's fiancee Tom Selleck as Peter Malloy , a TV journalist covering Howard 's story Matt Dillon as Cameron Drake , an ex-student of Howard 's and Oscar - winning actor Debbie Reynolds as Berniece Brackett , Howard 's mother Wilford Brimley as Frank Brackett , Howard 's father Bob Newhart as Tom Halliwell , Howard 's school 's principal Shawn Hatosy as Jack , one of Howard 's students Zak Orth as Mike , one of Howard 's students Lauren Ambrose as Vicky , one of Howard 's students Alexandra Holden as Meredith , one of Howard 's students June Squibb as Cousin Gretchen , one of Howard 's relatives Gregory Jbara as Walter Brackett , Howard 's brother Shalom Harlow as Sonya , Cameron 's supermodel girlfriend Lewis J. Stadlen as Edward Kenrow , one of Howard 's colleagues Deborah Rush as Ava Blazer , one of Howard 's colleagues Kevin Chamberlin as Carl Mickley , one of Howard 's colleagues Kate McGregor - Stewart as Aunt Becky , one of Howard 's relatives Debra Monk as Mrs. Lester , the town dressmaker Ernie Sabella as Aldo Hooper , Howard 's hair stylist Joseph Maher as Father Tim , one of the town 's priests from whom Howard seeks help .