Both Jon Hamm and Elizabeth Moss Went Completely Off the Script and Let Their Emotions Lose For One Mad Men Scene That’s Hard to Watch Even After All These Years

Mad Men isn’t just a show about slick advertising and suave suits. It’s a deep look into the human psyche and an emotional whirlwind. Amid the suits, scotches, and smoke rings, there’s a scene so raw that it might still tug at your heartstrings long after the credits roll.

It’s not just about the drama on Madison Avenue—it’s about the personal struggles, the feelings left unsaid, and the hard farewells. This show, with its classy veneer, often hides emotional landmines waiting to catch you off guard.

Now, we’re diving into one of those particularly explosive moments where Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss stepped beyond the script and into a realm of raw, unscripted emotion.

Peggy Olson’s Heartfelt Farewell in Mad Men

In Season 5, Episode 11 of Mad Men, titled Don’t Be a Stranger, when Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) decides to leave SCDP and accept Ted’s offer, it’s more than just a plot twist (it’s an emotional earthquake, seriously).

For Peggy, the move symbolizes a leap of faith, leaving behind her mentor and friend, Don Draper (Jon Hamm). This scene is all about Peggy’s emotional farewell and Don’s heart-wrenching acceptance.

Moss shared a deep bond with Jon Hamm, revealing that their on-screen chemistry wasn’t just acting. In this scene, the two go beyond the script, letting their genuine feelings guide them. Moss explained how, in this moment, her emotions blended with her character’s struggles. As the actress said in an interview with Vanity Fair: 

I had to do an Australian accent, and I was going to New Zealand and there was all this big stuff. and I didn’t know if I can pull it off. Then I did this scene, where I got to, kind of, say to don, you know, ‘Thankyou and I’m moving on.’ And so it felt like a nice, kind of, crossover between real life and fiction. 

The scene was a genuine heart-to-heart, overflowing with real emotions. It’s this authentic connection and raw feeling that makes it unforgettable, sticking with viewers like a catchy tune—even after years. So, if you’re still feeling teary-eyed, you’re not alone. This scene’s emotional punch packs a long-lasting wallop!

Elizabeth Moss and Jon Hamm’s Genuine Emotions Behind the Script

So, what makes this moment stand out as so impactful? The magic lies in the actors’ ability to blend their personal emotions with their characters’. And Elizabeth Moss and Jon Hamm didn’t just play their roles, they lived them.

Moss revealed that their off-script actions—like Hamm’s unexpected hand-kiss—were entirely spontaneous. She said in the same interview: 

That right there is real, those are real tears. Because he held on to my hand and didn’t let go and then kissed it. None of that was in the script. And he did it on my closeup. Like that right there us real Jon, the veins in his head. I can see him in that moment. 

It’s a rare peek into how actors can leap beyond their roles to create something genuinely moving. Those real tears stemmed from the deep connection between the stars.

All seasons of Mad Men are available to watch on AMC+.