If you read Charlie's interview with the Advocate (http://www.advocate.com/e...ail_ektid62271.asp?page=1), he says that he basically has been a fan for a while and decided to apply and "One thing led to another and I finally got cast."

As a true fan who has applied at least 5 times, that is very annoying! Sounds like he did not have to go through normal casting, but his connections led him to getting cast. UGH!