Reflecting on the Cultural Impact of “Mad Men”: A Journey with Jon Hamm and John Slattery
Ten years after the groundbreaking series “Mad Men” concluded, stars Jon Hamm and John Slattery share cherished memories from their time on the iconic AMC drama. Their recollections may be fond, but they humorously acknowledge the less glamorous aspects of the show, such as the incessant smoking and the bizarre concoction known as onion water.
Reuniting at the ATX TV Festival in Austin, Hamm and Slattery engaged in a captivating discussion moderated by Noah Hawley, who collaborated with Hamm on the latest season of “Fargo.” Together, they explored the enduring legacy of “Mad Men,” delving into its cultural significance and the ways it continues to resonate with both the actors and their passionate fanbase — including the infamous cigarettes that were a hallmark of the series.
“That couldn’t have been good for you,” Hawley remarked, prompting Hamm to respond, “Oh, it was not. Yeah, I believe someone did a count, and in the pilot alone, I spoke 75 cigarettes… They’re fake cigarettes, but that just means there’s no nicotine in them. It doesn’t mean you’re not burning something.” This candid revelation highlights the unique challenges faced by actors in portraying their characters authentically while navigating the health implications of their roles.
Despite “Mad Men” being set in New York City, it was filmed in Los Angeles, resulting in many scenes shot indoors. “We didn’t go outside, which was awesome and not awesome,” Hamm reflected. “The whole set was filled with fake cigarette smoke, creating a visually immersive experience that transported both the actors and the audience to the 1960s advertising world.” This detail emphasizes the meticulous production design that contributed to the show’s success and authenticity.
Slattery humorously noted that the fake cigarettes were made from rose petals and marshmallow, a combination that may sound appealing but was less than pleasant in reality. To add to the absurdity, the vodka martinis on set were represented by a glass of water infused with onion. This quirky detail adds to the behind-the-scenes lore of the series, illustrating the lengths to which the production team went to create a convincing atmosphere for viewers.
“Oh, the breath was lovely,” Hamm quipped, capturing the humor in the absurdity of their on-set experiences. Slattery chimed in, emphasizing that while the “vodka” was fake, the onion was undeniably real. “Pop another pearl onion in your glass of water, and then smoke 26 more fake cigarettes, and it’s 9:30 in the morning!” This playful banter underscores the camaraderie shared between the actors, even when faced with the unusual challenges of their roles.
At least the fake cigarettes were a healthier alternative than real ones — a fact Hamm noted when recalling how “some of the younger actors” attempted to smoke real cigarettes during the filming of the “Mad Men” pilot. “They were like, ‘We’re gonna smoke real cigarettes. We really want to, feel it and do it,’” Hamm recalled. “And I was like, ‘let me know how that goes.’ Within three days, they were yellow and sallow. It’s a terrible idea.” This anecdote serves as a cautionary tale to aspiring actors about the dangers of smoking and the commitment to authenticity in performance.
Hawley pointed out that this experience parallels another lesson actors quickly learn: taking very small bites when eating on camera, as it requires repeating the action multiple times. “And move [the food] around the plate,” Hamm added with a chuckle. “We can’t all be Brad Pitt. Would that we could!” This light-hearted commentary showcases the unique challenges of performing for the camera, where even mundane actions require careful consideration.
Cigarettes, of course, played a crucial role in establishing the atmosphere of being an advertising executive on Madison Avenue during the early 1960s. The authenticity of the characters’ habits and lifestyles was essential to the show’s narrative. “I remember one day, having a conversation with the executives at AMC,” Hamm recounted. “They asked, ‘Do they have to smoke?’ That was like, Are you kidding me? Yes, they absolutely need to. They’re addicted to cigarettes. It’s kind of why they’re sold. They’re incredibly popular!” This dialogue highlights the complexities of adapting historical accuracy into modern television storytelling.
During the panel, Hamm reflected on the profound impact “Mad Men” had on his life and career. “I started that when I was 35 years old. It went right through to the age of 45,” he shared. “So it’s kind of a transitional moment in life and time. Our real lives happened; relationships began and ended, and people had babies, got married, and got divorced — all this stuff happened in the real world. It almost seemed displaced from that in lots of ways, in a weird way, because so much of working on the show was stepping into a time capsule.” This sentiment captures the transformative experience of being part of a series that defined a generation of television.
“If you guys could jump back in time and visit the set, it really was picture perfect,” he continued. “When you’re in costume and smoking a cigarette while looking out the fake window at the pretend Midtown, it felt plausible. Clearly, it’s an honor, and it’s a beautiful thing to have worked on and contributed to something that has lasted this long. I’m glad I’m still alive, mainly due to the number of cigarettes I smoked. But the amount of work we put into it feels commensurate with the love we’re getting back, which is a nice feeling too. So that’s pretty awesome. I mean, to be sitting here at this incredible festival talking about something you did a decade ago and have this many people show up just to hear it is wonderful.” His reflection illustrates the lasting legacy of the show and its impact on both the actors and its audience.
Slattery shared a similar sentiment about his experience on “Mad Men.” “It felt like a parallel life,” he said. “There were about six months a year we could do this, and then we would leave. For many years, we were pretty sure we were going to do it again. To be in the hands of those writers, those designers, and those other actors created an incredibly intimate relationship with people that was not your real life. But it was just as real and just as demanding and complex. Yes, it was all fake, and we went home at the end of the day, but it was such a gift. I think, to almost a person, we recognized that immediately.” This heartfelt reflection speaks to the powerful connections formed on set and the deep appreciation for the craft of storytelling.
