Jon Hamm is an American actor born on March 10, 1971, who gained fame for portraying the character Don Draper in the TV show “Mad Men” from 2007 to 2015.
Hamm was honored with several awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. He was nominated 16 times for Primetime Emmy Awards for his acting and production work on “Mad Men,” as well as for his appearances on other shows like “30 Rock,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and more.
Aside from his work on television, Hamm has also appeared in various series, including “A Young Doctor's Notebook,” “Black Mirror,” “Good Omens,” and “Legion.” He has also made guest appearances on several comedy sitcoms, including “Parks and Recreation,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.”
Hamm has also taken on leading and supporting roles in a number of movies, such as “Stolen,” “Million Dollar Arm,” “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” “Beirut,” and “Confess, Fletch.” Additionally, he appeared in supporting roles in several other films, including “The Town,” “Bridesmaids,” “Baby Driver,” “Bad Times at the El Royale,” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” among others. He also lent his voice to characters in animated movies such as “Shrek Forever After” and “Minions.”
Where is Jon Hamm from?
Jon Hamm was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His mother, Deborah Hamm, worked as a secretary, while his father, Daniel Hamm, managed a family trucking company. Hamm’s ancestry includes German, English, and Irish roots, and his surname originated from German immigrants. He grew up in a Catholic household.
At the age of two, his parents went through a divorce, and he lived with his mother in the St. Louis suburb of Creve Coeur. However, his mother passed away from colon cancer when he was ten, and he then moved to Normandy to live with his father and grandmother.
Hamm’s acting career began at a young age, with his first role being Winnie-the-Pooh in first grade. At the age of 16, he played the character of Judas in the play Godspell, but it wasn't until later that he took his acting career seriously. Hamm attended John Burroughs School, a private school in Ladue, where he played for the football, baseball, and participated in swim teams. During his high school years, he dated Sarah Clarke, who later became an actress. Jon's father passed away when he was 20 years old.
Following his graduation from John Burroughs School in 1989, Jon Hamm enrolled at the University of Texas. He became a member of the Upsilon chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity, but his third year was marred by his involvement in a violent hazing incident that led to his arrest. He later transferred to the University of Missouri to complete his studies.
How has Jon Hamm’s career progressed?
Jon Hamm's early career was not an easy one, as he struggled for many years before achieving success as an actor. After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of acting. However, he faced numerous rejections and setbacks, working as a set dresser for softcore porn films, waiting tables, and struggling to make ends meet.
Hamm's first big break came in 1996, when he was cast in the NBC drama series "Profiler" in a small role. He continued to get small parts in various television shows and movies throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, including "The Division," "CSI: Miami," and "We Were Soldiers." He also had a recurring role on the WB series "What About Brian" from 2006 to 2007.
However, it wasn't until 2007 that Hamm finally achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of the suave and complicated advertising executive Don Draper in the AMC drama series "Mad Men." The show was a critical and commercial success, and Hamm's performance earned him numerous awards and nominations, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
The role of Don Draper turned Jon Hamm into a household name, and he became one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, leading to numerous film and television roles in the years that followed.
What is the net worth of Jon Hamm?
The net worth of Jon Hamm is estimated to be $45 million as of April 2023. Hamm was able to earn a substantial income from his role on the critically acclaimed television series “Mad Men.” Although his salary grew over the course of the show, at one point he was making an impressive $275,000 per episode.
This means that he was earning approximately $4 million per season. In addition to his work on “Mad Men,” Hamm has also been involved in voice-over work for Mercedes Benz commercials since 2010. It is not common for high-profile actors like Hamm to be paid per commercial when working with a company like Mercedes. Instead, they typically sign a long-term contract that covers a specific number of commercials per year.
Based on the endorsement contracts of other actors in similar situations, it is likely that Hamm is operating under a 5-year deal with Mercedes that is worth between $15-25 million. This equates to a yearly income of $3-5 million, assuming that the money is paid out evenly over the length of the contract. However, it is possible that the entire amount is paid upfront.
