DENVER, April 27, 2011 - Actor Jon Hamm has the looks to make it on the big screen. Female fans swoon over his chiseled mug on the hit AMC show "Mad Men."
But, he's taking a curious route to a film career.
Jon Hamm, actor
The formula for popular TV actors to reach the silver screen is all-but-etched in stone. Secure your fame on a hit program, and use it to land your first big movie role. Or three, if your agent can manage it.
That’s how George Clooney, Bruce Willis and many other TV stars made the transition.
Not Hamm.
Yes, the “Mad Men” star got a pretty juicy part in last year's drama “The Town,” although he deferred the leading man slot to writer/director Ben Affleck. But his two most recent films amount to glorified cameos, parts so small, one has to squint at the screen and wonder, “hey, isn’t that the guy from ‘Mad Men?’”
Hamm played the villainous lobotomy doc in “Sucker Punch,” Zack Snyder’s ode to incomprehensible storytelling. It’s a pivotal role in the grand scheme, but Hamm is on screen for all of about five minutes.
Frankly, any actor could have stepped in for him.
Next up for Hamm is “Bridesmaids,” clunkily dubbed the female “Hangover.” Hamm plays Kristen Wiig’s jerk of a beau, a himbo who epitomizes the hunky, but unavailable type of suitor. Suffice to say he won’t be a fan favorite when the film hits theaters May 13.
So, why would a handsome TV star choose two roles which put him at odds with his audience? You’ll have to ask Hamm, but the strategy could pay off. He’s instantly breaking free of his “Mad Men” image, while showing studios he’s eager to take on all manner of roles. His film career may just be taking off, but he’s already proving his range and ability to make the most of a small part.
There’s a catch, of course. Hamm’s brand of fame won’t last forever. If he keeps finding small, but curious parts, the next "It" actor may swoop in and steal his leading man gigs.
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