Mad Men – Season 4 Actor Biographies and Character Descriptions

JON HAMM – “Don”

Jon Hamm’s nuanced portrayal of the high-powered, philandering advertising executive, Don Draper has firmly established him as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors, and earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Golden Globe^® Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama.  Additionally, Hamm has been nominated for an Emmy^® Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2008, 2009) and a Screen Actors Guild^® Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series (2008, 2009, 2010).  In 2009 and 2010, he joined with the entire cast to win the Screen Actors Guild^® Award for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series.

On the big screen, Hamm will next star opposite Ben Affleck and Rebecca Hall in The Town, which Affleck also directed.  Additional upcoming films include roles in the indie feature Howl, about poet Allen Ginsberg, opposite James Franco, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels, and David Strathairn, and in Zack Snyder’s fantasy-thriller Sucker Punch. His previous film credits include Shrek Forever After, in which he voiced the character ‘Brogan,’ The Day the Earth Stood Still, Stolen, Ira & Abby, Kissing Jessica Stein and We Were Soldiers.

Hamm first came to audience’s attention in the NBC series “Providence.”  Signed for a cameo role, he so impressed the producer’s that he ended up with an 18-episode run in the series.  Additional television credits include the popular Lifetime television series “The Division,” as well as “What About Brian,” “The Unit,” “Numb3rs” and “CSI Miami,” among others.  Hamm has also appeared on the Emmy-winning comedy, “30 Rock,” for which he received a 2009 Emmy^® nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, and has twice hosted “Saturday Night Live” to critical acclaim.

A native of St. Louis, MO, Hamm received his Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Missouri-Columbia and currently resides in Los Angeles.

What’s happening with Don Draper this year?

Don Draper’s marriage dissolved after his worst fear came to fruition: Betty discovering his secret past, causing her to reject him and ultimately seek a divorce.  As he struggled with the dissolution of his marriage and family, Don also faced the disbandment of Sterling Cooper.  As everything in his life that defined him was stripped away, Don rallied Roger, Bert and Lane to launch a new firm.  With the birth of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, Don faces the process of redefining his relationships and his world.

JANUARY JONES – “Betty”

January Jones’ portrayal of the “perfect” 60s wife and young mother has garnered the attention of critics and viewers alike and earned her Golden Globe^® nominations in both 2009 and 2010 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama.

Jones has an extensive film career in addition to her work on “Mad Men,” and will next be seen alongside Liam Neeson and Diane Kruger in Unknown While Male, directed by Juame Collet-Serra, and with Nicolas Cage and Guy Pearce in The Hungry Rabbit Jumps, directed by Roger Donaldson. Jones first came to critics’ attention for her performance in the film Three Burials of Meliquiades Estrada for actor/director Tommy Lee Jones, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival.  She also starred in the critically acclaimed festival hit Swedish Auto, and in the McG-directed, We Are Marshall opposite Matthew Fox and Matthew McConaughey.  Most recently, Jones starred opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman and Kenneth Branagh in The Boat That Rocked, written and directed by Richard Curtis.

Additional film credits include roles in American Wedding; Anger Management alongside Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson; Love Actually with Colin Firth and Keira Knightly; Bandits with Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Willis and Cate Blanchett for director/producer Barry Levinson; and Full Frontal directed by Steven Soderbergh.

A native of Sioux City, SD, Jones currently resides in Los Angeles.

What’s happening with Betty this year?

Already rocked by her husband’s infidelities, Betty mourned the loss of her father while dealing with the realization that the man she married was a fraud.  As she struggled to make decisions about her life and family, Betty found herself increasingly drawn to an older man, leading her to seek a divorce from Don and move forward with her life.

Vincent Kartheiser – “Pete”

Vincent Kartheiser first came to television viewer’s attention as ‘Connor’ on the hit series, “Angel,” and has also had roles in many other series, including “Sweet Justice” and “ER.”

Kartheiser has also appeared in over a dozen feature films including, Crime and Punishment in Suburbia directed by Rob Schmidt opposite Monica Keena; Larry Clark’s Another Day in Paradise opposite James Woods and Melanie Griffith; and Dandelion opposite Taryn Manning, which screened at Sundance in 2004, and was directed by Mark Milgard.

A native of Minneapolis, MN, Kartheiser was named after Vincent Van Gogh and grew up surrounded by his works.

What’s happening with Pete this year?

Pete found himself in direct competition with his rival, Ken Cosgrove, when both were named co-head of accounts.  When Ken was later promoted above him, Pete contemplated accepting Duck Phillips’ recent overture to join him at Grey.  He ultimately decided to join the new agency after a personal appeal from Don and Roger, continuing his ongoing effort to make his mark.

ELISABETH MOSS – “Peggy”

Elisabeth Moss made her screen debut at the age of six and has been steadily honing her skills ever since, working with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and landing coveted roles in an array of film, television and theater projects for which she has received critical acclaim. As Peggy Olson, the ambitious yet naïve secretary who has evolved to a junior copywriter, Moss was nominated in 2009 for both an Emmy^® Award and a Screen Actors Guild^® Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Moss is most recognized for her seven-season run as ‘Zoey Bartlet,’ the daughter of the president (Martin Sheen) on the critically acclaimed series “The West Wing,” but her extensive television credits include a recurring role on ABC’s “Invasion,” and guest-starring turns on numerous shows, including “Medium,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Practice.”  Additionally, Moss co-starred opposite Susan Sarandon in HBO Pictures’ off-beat road comedy, “Earthly Possessions,” directed by James Lapine; played a young ‘Ashley Judd’ in the CBS mini-series “The Judds: Love Will Build a Bridge,” and starred with Bette Midler in CBS’s remake of “Gypsy,” in the role of a young ‘Gypsy Rose Lee.’

Equally as accomplished on the big screen, Moss was nominated for a 2004 Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for her starring role in the independent feature Virgin.  She most recently starred alongside Jonah Hill and Russell Brand in producer Judd Apatow’s Get Him to the Greek and was also featured in the 2009 romantic comedy Did You Hear About the Morgans?, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant and directed by Marc Lawrence.  Additional feature credits include director Ron Howard’s The Missing with Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones; director James Mangold’s Girl, Interrupted with Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder; writer/director Lawrence Kasdan’s Mumford; A Thousand Acres opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Lange; Bittersweet Place opposite Seymour Cassel; The Joyriders with Martin Landau; and Imaginary Crimes with Harvey Keitel.

In 2008, Moss garnered rave reviews in her Broadway debut opposite Jeremy Piven and then William H. Macy starring in the revival of David Mamet’s Hollywood satire Speed-the-Plow. Moss made her stage debut in 2002 in the title role of ‘Franny’ in Richard Nelson’s Franny’s Way at the Atlantic Theater, later reprising the role for the Los Angeles premiere of the play at the acclaimed Geffen Playhouse.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Moss trained in ballet from the age of five and attended a number of prestigious ballet schools, including the School of American Ballet in New York, and also studied with Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center.

What’s happening with Peggy this year?

As Peggy struggled to reconcile her career ambitions with her personal desires, she moved into an apartment in the city despite her mother’s strong objections.  When Don dismissed her request for pay equal to the men in the office, Peggy considered Duck Phillips’ offer to join him at Grey.  She denied him professionally, but accepted his romantic advances.  Peggy initially declined to join Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, but ultimately accepted after Don expressed his admiration and respect for her talent and work.

Christina Hendricks – “Joan”

Christina Hendricks’ flawless portrayal as Sterling Cooper’s brash and sassy office manager has earned her critical acclaim and positioned her as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.

Recently named by Esquire as The Best Looking Woman in America, Hendricks began her career as the opportunistic, career-climbing intern on Showtime’s “Beggars and Choosers,” which led to a production deal with John Wells. Additional television credits include starring with Taye Diggs in the comedy “Kevin Hill,” the TNT original series “The Big Time,” and ABC’s “The Court,” in which she starred opposite Sally Field. Hendricks had a recurring role on the extremely successful drama series “ER” and also recurred on Joss Whedon’s “Firefly,” “Life” and “Notes From the Underbelly.”  Additionally, Hendricks has guest starred on some of primetime’s highest rated shows, including “Cold Case,” “Without a Trace” and “Las Vegas.”

In film, Hendricks recently completed work on the independent feature Leonie, for director Hisako Matsui; The Family Tree, for director Vivi Friedman; and Life as We Know It, for Warner Bros., with director Greg Berlanti.  Her other film credits include La Cucina, South of Pico and Driving Lessons with Dermot Mulroney and Hope Davis.

A native of Idaho, Hendricks currently resides in Los Angeles.

What’s happening with Joan this year?

Struggling to define her identity within her new marriage, Joan resigned from Sterling Cooper in anticipation of her husband’s promotion as his hospital’s Chief Resident.  When he was passed over and decided to join the military as a surgeon, Joan agreed to help when Roger asked for her assistance in launching the new agency.

JOHN SLATTERY – “Roger”

One of the most respected actors in the Hollywood community, John Slattery has appeared in numerous television, film and stage projects, and for his work as Roger Sterling, has been nominated twice for an Emmy^® Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Slattery has appeared on the big screen in numerous films including, most recently, Iron Man 2, with Robert Downey Jr.; Clint Eastwood’s critically acclaimed Flags of Our Fathers; Mike Nichols’ Charlie Wilson’s War; and Terry George’s Reservation Road. Additional film credits include Mona Lisa Smile, opposite Julia Roberts for director Mike Newell; Thomas McCarthy’s The Station Agent; Joel Schumacher’s Bad Company; and Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic. He will next be seen in The Adjustment Bureau, alongside Emily Blunt and Matt Damon and directed by George Nolfi.

In addition to his work on “Mad Men,” Slattery also had a substantial story arc as ‘Victor Lang’ on the hit series “Desperate Housewives,” and in 2007, he was nominated as part of both shows’ ensemble casts for the SAG^® Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble. Other television credits include roles on “Homefront,” the comedy series “Ed,”  ”K Street” and the drama “Jack & Bobby.”  He has also been seen in highly memorable guest appearances on “Sex and the City” and “Will & Grace.”

An accomplished stage actor, Slattery has appeared on Broadway in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Rabbit Hole, for which he was nominated for a Drama League Award, the Broadway revival of Betrayal and opposite Nathan Lane in Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23^rd Floor.  His Off-Broadway credits include the original production of Three Days of Rain, which earned him the LA Drama Critics Award and a Drama Desk nomination.

Slattery is a Boston native who currently resides in New York City with his wife, actress Talia Balsam and son.

What’s happening with Roger this year?

Roger faced the challenges of a new, young bride and the resentment it brought out with Don.  He realized that in pursuing his happiness, he may have sacrificed more than he thought.  At first reluctant to Don’s suggestion of starting a new firm, Roger realized it was an opportunity to redefine his position and gain back control of one aspect of his life.

JARED HARRIS – “Lane”

A classically trained stage actor and former member of London’s famed Royal Shakespeare Company, Jared Harris’ prolific career continuously showcases his chameleon-like ability to morph from one character to another, garnering him great praise and keeping him in the company of some of today’s most creative talent in film, television and stage projects.

Harris’ extensive film career includes, most recently, appearing opposite Harrison Ford and Brendan Frasier in Extraordinary Measures, and alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in David Fincher’s critically acclaimed 2008 film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Harris made his film debut in 1989’s The Rachel Papers, which was the directorial debut of his brother Damian, and since then has gone on to appear in over fifty films in a wide array of roles, including a riveting portrayal of Andy Warhol in the acclaimed I Shot Andy Warhol; and the sleazy Russian cab driver, ‘Vladimir,’ in Todd Solondz’s Happiness, for which the cast received the 1999 National Board of Review Acting Ensemble Award.  Additional credits include Last of the Mohicans, Natural Born Killers, Sylvia and Ocean’s Twelve, among others.

In television, Harris has accumulated an impressive list of credits in both England and the U.S., including a highly acclaimed performance as Henry VIII for the BBC production of “The Other Boleyn Girl.” Additional BBC credits include the mini-series “To The Ends of the Earth” and the starring role in “Coup!” Stateside, Harris has been seen in recurring roles for both “The Riches” and “Fringe” and has guest-starred in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “Without a Trace.”

Harris has appeared with some of the most renowned theater companies in both London and New York, and made his American stage debut as ‘Hotspur ‘in the New York Shakespeare Festival’s Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2.  He then went on to perform with the company in both the acclaimed version of Tis Pity She’s A Whore and King Lear.  Additional stage credits include the New Group’s Obie Award-winning production of Mike Leigh’s Ecstasy; the New Jersey Shakespeare Company’s experimental production of Hamlet, in which he played the title role; the Almeida Theatre’s production of Tennessee William’s bittersweet comedy A Period of Adjustment; and the Vineyard Theater’s production of More Lies About Jerzy.

Harris was born in London, and is the son of famed Irish actor, Richard Harris.  He attended North Carolina’s Duke University, where he majored in drama and literature and after graduation, studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.  Harris currently lives in Los Angeles.

What’s happening with Lane this year?

Lane found himself increasingly at odds with Sterling Cooper employees and his wife over her displeasure in being relocated to the States.  Upon discovering the London parent company was selling Sterling Cooper and his years of loyalty amounted to nothing, Lane shed his cautious persona and joined Don, Roger and Cooper to form the new agency.

Aaron Staton – “Ken”

Aaron Staton is a 2004 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater.  After making his Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! he went on to star in the title role of the Manhattan Theatre Club production of The American Pilot, which garnered critical acclaim.

He has appeared in the films August Rush from Warner Bros., directed by Kristen Sheridan, and The Nanny

What’s happening with Ken?

Thrown into direct competition with Pete Campbell, when both were named co-head of accounts, Ken ultimately triumphed and was deemed head of accounts, but it was short-lived as Don and Roger picked Pete for the new firm.

Rich Sommer – “Harry”

Rich Sommer’s extensive stage credits include ‘Todd’ in Far Away; ‘Mike’ in A Lie of the Mind; and ‘William Gibbs’ in Off the Map.  On the small screen, Sommer has appeared in numerous commercials and had roles in some of television’s most popular series, including “The Office,” “Without a Trace,” “Law & Order,” “Ugly Betty,” and “Burn Notice.” Additionally, he appeared in the 2009 miniseries, “The Storm” and made his feature film debut as Anne Hathaway’s drinking buddy ‘Doug’ in The Devil Wears Prada.

A student, performer and teacher of improvisation, Sommer received his training and experience with The Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis and the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York. Sommer received his Bachelor’s Degree in theatre arts from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and went on to study at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, where he received his Master’s Degree in acting.

Sommer and his wife, Virginia, live in Los Angeles with their daughter, Beatrice.

What’s happening with Harry?

Harry was named head of the one-man Television Department and was on solid footing until the announcement of Sterling Cooper’s sale.  Facing the possibility of becoming an anonymous grunt, or even losing his job, Harry decided to risk everything and join the new agency.

ROBERT MORSE – “Cooper”

One of the few actors to have won Tony^® Awards for both Best Actor in a Play and Best Actor in a Musical, Robert Morse’s impressive career has spanned more than six decades and includes notable roles in television and film projects in addition to his stage work. Morse’s musical award came in 1962 with his unforgettable performance as ‘J. Pierrepont Finch’ in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Frank Loesser/Abe Burrows/Bob Fosse musical of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The dramatic nod came in 1990 with his triumphant portrayal of Truman Capote in the tour de force, one-man show, American Playhouse: Tru. The PBS presentation of “Tru” later earned Morse a 1993 Emmy^® Award as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special as well.

Morse made his film debut in 1956’s The Proud and Profane. In addition to reprising his Tony-winning role in the 1967 film version of How to Succeed in Business, for director David Swift, Morse appeared as Walter Matthau’s philandering buddy/advisor in the Gene Kelly-directed A Guide for the Married Man and in the cult favorite The Loved One.

On television, Morse appeared in a continuing role in the medical drama “City of Angels,” and in an Oliver Stone miniseries “Wild Palms,” among various memorable television guest appearances.

What’s happening with Cooper?

The patriarch of Sterling Cooper, Bertram Cooper, is not without his eccentricities.  After many years in the advertising trenches, Cooper was always on hand to offer guidance and agreed to join Don, Roger and Lane to form the new agency.

KIERNAN SHIPKA – “Sally”

A burgeoning new face in both the film and television worlds, Kiernan Shipka is only at the beginning of a long and successful career. Now beginning her fourth season as Sally Draper, Shipka will soon be seen in Warner Bros.’ upcoming feature release, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, as the only human who can hear the animals speak, opposite the voices of Alec Baldwin and Bette Midler.

Shipka’s past credits include roles in Land of The Lost and Lower Learning, as well as appearances on the television series’, “Heroes” and “Monk.”

Originally from Chicago, Kiernan currently resides in Los Angeles with her family.

What’s happening with Sally?

Facing increased stress at home with the death of her grandfather and her parents’ fractured marriage, Sally acted out and was increasingly disobedient – fighting with her brother Bobby and refusing to acknowledge her new brother, Gene.

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