January Jones on Betty Draper and slapping her TV daughter

from AMC.com

Q: The scene where Betty slaps Sally is a bit of a shock. Was that difficult to shoot?

A: It was difficult. I mean, Kiernan [Shipka] and I know each other very well now so before we do anything like that I always make sure she’s comfortable. Usually she’s more comfortable than I am with the stuff that I have to do, but we kind of have to find some sort of peace with it… I haven’t seen the episode so I hope it looks as realistic and as shocking as it should be.

Q: What was your reaction when you read the script for this episode?

A: It was shocking, but I have to laugh, because as ugly as it may be on paper and on screen, those things are kind of fun to shoot. Just because it’s something I would never do. It’s going outside the box and experimenting with things you haven’t done before. It’s just the anger coming back, and Betty’s kind of gone up and down with that sort of stuff. I enjoy it.

Q: This is the second therapist Betty has seen. Who do you usually confide in when you need to talk?

A: Family. My parents and my sisters… Every once in a while if it’s something work-related, I’ll talk to my co-stars, just because sometimes my family doesn’t understand that aspect of my life.

Q: Now that Betty’s divorced, how does that change your time on the set with Jon Hamm?

A: A lot. I have a lot more scenes with Henry and the kids — well, just as much with the kids, I guess. But more Henry than with Don. And when it is with Don it’s usually pretty volatile. It’s a very different show this season.

Q: How is it working with Christopher Stanley as your husband?

A: He’s great. He’s put in a position that fans might not root for just because they like Don and Betty together, even when they weren’t happy. So I think he’s handling it really well.

For more of the interview, click here

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.

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