When it comes to iconic TV characters, only a few have left as indelible a mark as the anti-heroes brought to life by actors like Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini. From the morally complex Walter White in Breaking Bad to the iconic Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, these figures have continued to captivate audiences.
However, the actors behind these roles often grapple with the weight of their characters, as revealed by Jon Hamm, who masterfully portrayed the chain-smoking, booze-guzzling high-profile ad exec Don Draper in the period drama, Mad Men.
Jon Hamm Reflected on the Burden of His Mad Men Character
Jon Hamm took on the role of the advertising executive Don Draper in 1960s New York, who tries to balance his personal and professional life, in Mad Men. While it’s been quite popular, Hamm has not been too pleased with how his character has been celebrated mostly for his flawed and problematic traits.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he noted how often such characters are seen as a model of masculinity, despite their moral failings and personal issues.
The character got celebrated for the wrong reasons. People thought that Don was this paragon of masculinity or whatever. There were so many think-pieces, and you go, “Wait, he was pretty f**ked up.”
He also reflected on how his fellow actors like Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini have had similar struggles with their morally ambiguous roles in shows like Breaking Bad and The Sopranos, respectively.
Jimmy Gandolfini, whom I knew a little bit, had a similar relationship to Tony Soprano, and Bryan Cranston had it with Walter White.
Reflecting on the series finale, which sees Don Draper retreating to California in search of enlightenment after a life full of inner turmoil, Hamm praised the showrunner, Matthew Weiner for giving an appropriate ending to the story of Don Draper.
Jon Hamm on Shared Struggles with Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini
During his interview, Jon Hamm also reflected on whether he was able to receive any substantial advice from Cranston and Gandolfini regarding these challenges or how to move past such struggles.
While he said that he never received any direct advice from them, he did reflect on the unique connection he shared with both actors. “Jimmy and I have a very interesting connection,” he said while sharing how he has formed a poignant connection with Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini.
When he passed away, his son, Mikey, reached out to me, and I’ve been a bit of a mentor to him. He said, “My dad told me that you were a good guy.” I literally was like, “OK, let’s be friends.” And he is. He’s my buddy.
As for the Breaking Bad star, he shared that he met him during a photoshoot for an AMC lineup. “He’s in his tighty-whities and a chemical apron,” he said as he recalled how Cranston joked that he had the better deal with his suave wardrobe.
Additionally, he also stated that Cranston’s friendship and wisdom have been invaluable, as they share a unique bond that allows them to relate to the challenges of playing morally complex characters and to commiserate over the shared experience.
The Sopranos is available to watch on Max.
Breaking Bad is available to watch on Netflix.
Mad Men is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
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