Key Takeaways:

– Jon Hamm was uncertain if he would be cast as Don Draper in Mad Men due to prior audition experiences.
– Despite his doubts, Hamm was brought into the Mad Men casting process early with no major competition for the role.
– Hamm, James Gandolfini, and Bryan Cranston reportedly held discussions around perceptions of their respective anti-hero characters.
– Hamm has a mentor-like relationship with Gandolfini's son Michael and has worked with Cranston.

Casting Doubts: Jon Hamm's Journey to Mad Men

Jon Hamm, the actor idolized for his exceptional portrayal of the tragic Don Draper in AMC's Mad Men, was reportedly not the initial choice for the iconic role. Before reaching the heights of global success and recognition through Mad Men, Hamm was just another struggling actor, uncertain of his future in Hollywood. His apprehensions were fueled by previous unsuccessful auditions, including one for a role in The West Wing.

Hamm was deeply intrigued by the Mad Men script, seeing it as a remarkable opportunity. However, having lost the role in The West Wing to Rob Lowe, he doubted his chances of landing the lead role.

Despite his reservations, Hamm was called for the Mad Men auditions early, which proved advantageous as he bypassed competition from major celebrities for the part. Interestingly, Rob Lowe was also considered for Don Draper but never got to the audition stage.

Conversations Among Antiheroes: Hamm, Gandolfini, and Cranston

With Mad Men, Hamm joined the league of adept actors who've breathed life into some of TV's greatest antiheroes like Tony Soprano and Walter White. These characters, known for their tragic tales and fatal flaws, have left an indelible mark on television history.

In an interesting revelation, Hamm shared that he, alongside James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) and Bryan Cranston (Walter White), had engaged in conversations regarding their characters' public image. According to Hamm, the characters weren't meant to be celebrated, contrary to how they were sometimes perceived by viewers.

At the same time, Hamm holds a mentor-like tie with Gandolfini's son, Michael. In fact, both of these talented actors were involved in an AMC photoshoot promoting their respective shows- Hamm for Mad Men and Cranston for Breaking Bad.

In Conclusion

Jon Hamm's career skyrocketed post his portrayal of one of television's most complex characters, Don Draper. Despite initial doubts about his casting in one of the most critically acclaimed drama series, Hamm's performance won him two Golden Globes and a Primetime Emmy.

However, the road to Mad Men wasn't entirely smooth, like the character of Don, Hamm's journey was a roller coaster, filled with doubt and uncertainty. But just like Don, the actor overcame his worries, lending his charisma and talent to a role that will be remembered for generations to come.

Now that Mad Men's successful seven-season run has concluded, Hamm's strong performance remains a highlight of his career and a benchmark for TV drama. For fans and newcomers alike, the entire series can be streamed on AMC+.