Timothy Hutton's father, actor Jim Hutton, died prior to filming. However, Hutton stated he did not use his mourning as a basis for Conrad's depression. Also, actress Mary Tyler Moore's only son, Richie Meeker, accidentally shot himself a month after the film's release. Moore was also separated from her husband, producer Grant Tinker, during filming.
According to the Entertainment Weekly article on the making of this movie, Mary Tyler Moore was cold, snobbish and uncommunicative with Timothy Hutton on the set, to assist her in mastering the aloofness so essential to her character.
Mary Tyler Moore was shocked by Robert Redford's offer that she portray Beth, especially given her sunny, warm and highly connective screen persona in The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961), The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970), and elsewhere. Moore stated that, in response to her surprise, Redford confided that he'd had her in mind for the role since the first time he'd read the novel. Viewers were in turn surprised by Moore's performance, though she received critical praise.
Richard Dreyfuss was originally considered for the role of the psychiatrist, but when Robert Redford called him Dreyfuss said, "I can't talk to you right now, I'm having a nervous breakdown," and he hung up the phone.
Ordinary People is on the list of the most banned books in school libraries. With a scene depicting two teens losing their virginity, frank discussion of suicide, and graphic language, it remains very controversial in schools. In fact, this book was the 52nd most challenged book in schools and libraries from 1990 to 1999, narrowly beating out #53, American Psycho.