Jon Hamm, the celebrated actor best known for his iconic role as Don Draper in *Mad Men*, 

recently expressed his deep gratitude toward *Saturday Night Live* creator Lorne Michaels for the pivotal role he played in expanding Hamm’s career. 

The 53-year-old actor was in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on January 31 to accept the prestigious 2025 Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Award from Harvard University. 

During the event, Hamm reflected on the significance of Michaels’ influence on his career, 

particularly in helping him break out of the dramatic mold established by his *Mad Men* fame.

In an interview with reporters after receiving the award, Hamm shared that before *SNL*, he was primarily being offered dramatic roles that echoed the brooding, cigarette-smoking, emotionally distant character of Don Draper. 

These roles, though rewarding, often felt repetitive. “I was offered a lot of roles that were a version of that character,” Hamm explained. “You had been smoking a cigarette and sort of brooding, looking out a window into the dark city of some kind of place.” While Hamm was grateful for the work, he acknowledged his desire to explore more diverse roles.

It was Lorne Michaels who, according to Hamm, gave him the opportunity to show a different side of his acting abilities. In 2008, Michaels invited Hamm to guest host *Saturday Night Live* for the first time, a moment that would forever alter the trajectory of Hamm’s career. “I really credit none other than Lorne Michaels for offering me a chance to guest host *Saturday Night Live* to really get the sense of, well, I do have a funny side to me,” Hamm shared with reporters.

Hamm explained that before *Mad Men*, many people who knew him were more familiar with his comedic abilities than his dramatic chops. This opportunity on *SNL* gave Hamm the platform to showcase his comedic timing, which opened doors to roles in other successful projects. “Most of the people who knew me before they knew me for *Mad Men* knew that was the predominant side of me,” Hamm said, referring to his comedic roots. “So Lorne gave me that opportunity, which led to *30 Rock*, which led to *Bridesmaids*, which led to a lot of other gigs in the Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, Lorne Michaels universe.”

This shift in his career allowed Hamm to diversify his acting résumé, which he described as a rewarding experience. “So I’ll be forever grateful to [Michaels] for that,” he added, acknowledging how instrumental *SNL* was in helping him expand his range and reach a wider audience.

Despite the new opportunities, Hamm made it clear that *Mad Men* will always remain a defining moment in his career. The role of Don Draper, which he played for seven seasons, is a milestone that he holds in high regard. “It will always be a high-water mark in my life and career,” Hamm said, recognizing the lasting impact the show has had on both his professional and personal life. Reflecting on the challenges and rewards of portraying Draper, Hamm called it “one of the most challenging, yet fun roles I have tackled.”

As *Mad Men* celebrates the 20th anniversary of its premiere and the 10th anniversary since the series finale, Hamm continues to feel the impact of the show. “It’s fading in the rearview, but it’s still very prevalent in my life,” he admitted. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of the show remains a cornerstone of his career.

In addition to reflecting on the past, Hamm expressed excitement about the future. While he has long been associated with dramatic roles, Hamm is open to new ventures and challenges, including the possibility of starring in a romantic comedy. In fact, Hamm recently revealed his interest in leading a rom-com alongside his *The Morning Show* costar Jennifer Aniston. “I think it would just have to be funny and fun,” Hamm said. “It would let us do what we both do very well, which is be charming and funny and compelling. I certainly wouldn’t say no to that.”

As Hamm looks to the future, he remains grateful for the guidance and opportunities provided by Lorne Michaels, whose vision helped unlock new career paths and solidified Hamm’s place as a versatile actor in both comedy and drama. The actor’s journey, from dramatic roles to comedic success, proves that even after reaching the pinnacle of fame, the opportunities to grow and explore remain endless.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.