Bonnie Hunt's brother is a physician at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He arranged for the hospital to be used as a setting in the film.
O'Reilly's Restaurant, where so much of the central action takes place, is actually a Chicago landmark eatery known as the "Twin Anchors".
The 10 year old male gorilla in the movie who plays Sidney is Kwan. He still lives at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Kwan is now a silverback over 30 years old and has fathered six offspring. He is a fantastic father and is loved by all. As of the Spring of 2022, Kwan is 33 years-old.
Bill Bartelt: the renowned Chicago water colorist who provided the paintings for Minnie Driver's character, can be seen in the film briefly as an uncredited street artist.