The Big Bang Theory Star Josh Malina Nearly Stole Jon Hamm’s aIconic Don Draper Character in Mad Men: “He’s a great, wonderful actor”
Hollywood icon turned award-winning actor and crush of countless female (and some male) fans, Jon Hamm appeared on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show. Promoting his crime comedy Confess, Fletch, the actor went down memory lane to discuss his journey to success. During the September 2022 interview, Hamm revealed his direct competitor Josh Malina, who almost snatched his iconic role.
Recalling the audition for Mad Men, Jon Hamm shared his journey of landing the iconic role of Don Draper in the series. Mentioning the recognizable face of Josh Malina during the auditions, Hamm spilled the beans on the actor. Detailing his errands of auditions, the Top Gun actor said his success story was anything but guaranteed.
Jon Hamm Spilled The Beans On Josh Malina
Appearing for an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Jon Hamm recalled his success story. While promoting his crime comedy Confess, Fletch, Hamm went down memory lane to throw light upon several things. Starting with his errands of auditions, to appearing opposite celebrities, the Top Gun: Maverick actor discussed his show-business success. Determined over his hard-earned success, Jon Hamm spilled the beans of how he almost lost his iconic role in Mad Men.
Coming in direct competition with Josh Malina, Jon Hamm shared how The Big Bang Theory alum almost snatched away his Don Draper character. Recalling the recognizable face of Malina during the auditions, Hamm stated, “The only name that I remember from any of those audition sign-in sheets was Josh Malina.” Further, speaking in detail Hamm shared, “who I’m not sure had a great shot at being Don Draper. But it would’ve been a choice.” Throwing no shade on his fellow actor, the 52-year-old proceeded with his story.
Jon Hamm Almost Lost His Role As Don Draper
Recalling how eager he was regarding the role in Mad Men, Jon Hamm was quick to praise Josh Malina before audiences took it as a rivalry. Assuring Howard Stern‘s listeners there’s no shade, Hamm confessed, “He’s (Josh Malina) a great, wonderful actor.” Further expressing his eagerness for the role, Hamm mentioned,
“I remember reading the script, putting it down, and thinking, ‘Holy s–t, that’s a really good story.”
After auditioning a total of seven times, Hamm finally landed the iconic role of Don Draper. Speaking in retrospect about the stressful moments during the interview, the actor mentioned how it all changed his life for good. “It took me about two hours to get to this audition where I’m sitting next to like a 15-year-old kid, waiting,” the Mad Men actor revealed.
Hamm eventually concluded his story with the 100 Emmy nominations Mad Men acquired over seven critically adored seasons. And of course, a Best Actor Emmy to his name for the final season of the series.
Source: The Howard Stern Show
