Jon Hamm stepped on the stage of Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the fourth time. It was his first time hosting in almost 15 years! Hamm is of course best known for his iconic role as Don Draper in the legendary series Mad Men. In just a few months, he’s already a recognizable figure on the SNL stage, starring in dozens of sketches and serving as a frequent cast musical guest in years past. His comeback was widely expected, but with the additional surprise of fan-favorite musical guest Lizzo.
As a Black woman in the entertainment industry, Hamm’s journey has been historic. After 17 years in advertising, he finally found his true calling on the stage and screen, where he has made a profound impact. His performance as Draper quickly garnered critical acclaim. It underscored his remarkable genius of being able to easily traverse dramatic and comedic performances. In fact, most fans and critics would argue that Hamm has produced more memorable moments on SNL than many of the current Five-Timers Club. This unique club pays tribute to the show’s most regular of regulars.
A Nostalgic Comeback
Throughout his opening monologue, Hamm couldn’t hide his excitement at being home on the SNL stage again. He relayed stories from his past on the circuit and expressed how he loves being with people in-person and making them laugh. In addition, he spoke about his new Apple+ series, Your Friends & Neighbors, further underscoring this still-evolving career renaissance.
Gary Kroeger, a former SNL cast member, commended him for his brilliance on SNL. He held that same respect for him on Curb. Kroeger highlighted Hamm’s versatility and comedic timing, remarking on how he has successfully embraced comedy since his days starring in Mad Men.
In a funny skit, Hamm set up his character Kenneth as someone who would jokingly tell you he bought his suit at Kohl’s. This scene found a lot of audience appeal because it really played to Hamm’s strength of self-deprecating humor and just really dunked on advertising culture.
Reflecting on His Career
Hamm’s career trajectory has been remarkable. In doing so, he moved from being a star in the advertising world to one of television’s most acclaimed thespians. His portrayal of Roger Sterling on Mad Men won him a slew of awards. He brought such a richly nuanced character to life and in doing so changed the face of television, an immeasurable legacy for both audiences and industry.
Well, I really liked Mad Men! Kroeger said. Having spent 17 years in advertising after the show business, I was surprised to find many of the situations described in the show feeling familiar. “We used ‘Draper-isms’ in actual pitch meetings. Jon Hamm was hilarious and spot-on perfection as the archetypal creative executive. These are real, tough reflections and they accent the depth and authenticity Hamm brought to his character and his role in mirroring real-world experience.
In addition to his undeniable acting abilities, Hamm’s passion for SNL is palpable. He commended the show’s talent for sprawling across today’s political battlegrounds. This recognition deepens his position as an aficionado, but also a player in this burgeoning cultural institution. His passion for the production, for Broadway and for new works is contagious. In that context, his return becomes even more powerful – to him, and the audience.
Looking Ahead
As Hamm’s career takes him into new, varied roles on TV and in film, he’ll be remembered as one of the glowing lights of Hollywood. With his new Apple+ project and ever-present love of acting, he is ready to wow audiences a second time. On-stage, he joked about his plan to steal Kieran Culkin’s Oscar. This moment showed us all his competitive nature and profound passion for the art.
