Who almost played Don Draper?
John Slattery almost played Don Draper on the critically acclaimed AMC series Mad Men.
John Slattery's Near Miss with the Iconic Role
Before Jon Hamm was cast in the career-defining role of Don Draper, several talented actors were considered for the lead. Among them was John Slattery, who eventually became a beloved fixture on the show as Roger Sterling, the charismatic and witty partner at Sterling Cooper.
Slattery had a keen interest in portraying the complex character of Don Draper and actively pursued the role. However, the casting directors ultimately selected Jon Hamm, who went on to embody the enigmatic advertising executive with immense success.
Interestingly, Slattery himself later reflected on the casting decision, acknowledging that once he saw Jon Hamm in the role, he recognized Hamm as the perfect choice for Don Draper. This perspective highlights the unique nature of the casting process, where the right actor often aligns perfectly with a character's essence.
While Slattery did not secure the lead role, his strong impression during auditions led to his casting as Roger Sterling. This allowed him to remain a vital part of the Mad Men ensemble, delivering a memorable performance that earned him multiple Emmy nominations.
This scenario illustrates a common dynamic in television production:
- Initial Aspirations: Actors often audition for multiple roles, sometimes aiming for the lead, but may find another part within the same project that fits them perfectly.
- Visionary Casting: Showrunners and producers often have a clear vision for their characters, and the final casting decisions are made to align with that artistic direction.
- Unintended Success: Sometimes, not getting a particular role can open doors to other, equally significant opportunities, as was the case with Slattery's transition to Roger Sterling.
