Renowned for his captivating performances, Jon Hamm has built a remarkable career that spans both cinema and television, delivering unforgettable roles across various genres. His journey began at the University of Missouri, where he first ventured into acting after being cast by a local theater company. By 1995, he had moved to Los Angeles, determined to make a name for himself in acting before turning 30 and considering a more conventional career path (The Times).
Hamm’s breakthrough came with the NBC series Providence, leading to increasingly prominent roles, culminating in his iconic portrayal of Don Draper in Mad Men. His versatility has enabled him to thrive in supporting roles across film and television, showcasing his talents in comedy, drama, horror, and thrillers. This dynamism has not only garnered him critical acclaim but also several prestigious awards, reinforcing his status as a respected figure in Hollywood.
15 Mean Girls (2024)
Coach Carr
The revival of Mean Girls in 2024 may raise some eyebrows, but this iteration effectively reimagines the original story through the lens of its musical adaptation. While the charm of the 2004 classic remains a high bar, the film impressively incorporates engaging songs and nostalgic callbacks, including surprise cameos that fans will adore.
In a relatively modest role, Jon Hamm shines as Coach Carr, the gym teacher turned health instructor, infusing humor and whimsy into the character. His comedic timing often feels underrated, yet in Mean Girls, he proves his adeptness at comedy, managing to steal the spotlight in every scene he occupies.
14 The Report (2019)
Denis McDonough
The Report is a gripping political drama that poignantly explores the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation into the CIA’s use of torture post-September 11th. Featuring standout performances by Adam Driver and Jon Hamm, the film tackles a dark chapter in American history with thoughtful nuance.
Hamm portrays Denis McDonough, President Obama’s chief of staff, and delivers a remarkable performance that captures the essence of his real-life counterpart amidst a complex narrative.
13 Beirut (2018)
Mason Skiles
Set during the Lebanese Civil War, Beirut is a thought-provoking political thriller that centers on Mason Skiles, a former U.S. diplomat who is drawn back into service to rescue a colleague implicated in his wife’s tragic death. The film adeptly navigates tense plot developments and powerful character dynamics.
Hamm’s portrayal of Mason showcases his ability to imbue a character with depth and nuance, perfectly aligning with the film’s intricate plot and emotional undercurrents.
12 Transformers One (2024)
Sentinel Prime
Transformers One emerged as a pleasant surprise, delivering more sophisticated storytelling than expected for the franchise. This animated film explores the origins of the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron, offering dramatic depth as they face inevitable conflicts.
As Sentinel Prime, Hamm showcases his exceptional voice acting skills, effectively conveying the character’s duplicitous nature. His performance breathes life into the manipulative antagonist, reflecting the complexities of the role brilliantly.
11 Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)
Laramie Seymour Sullivan
Directed by Drew Goddard, Bad Times at the El Royale is a noir thriller set in a 1960s motel that becomes the site of dark secrets and deadly intrigue. Each character harbors a concealed truth, leading to a gripping atmosphere as the plot unfolds during a fateful night.
Hamm plays Laramie Seymour Sullivan, whose true identity as an undercover FBI agent adds layers to the plot. Though the film struggled at the box office, it has since gained a loyal following and is regarded as a modern cult classic.
10 Landman (2024)
Monty Miller
In 2024, Jon Hamm joined the cast of Landman, a series created by Taylor Sheridan, who has gained acclaim for series like Yellowstone. This intriguing show, inspired by the Boomtown podcast, features Hamm as Monty Miller, an oil company executive and associate of Billy Bob Thornton’s character.
The series received rave reviews for its compelling storyline, garnering early acclaim and positioning Hamm alongside Thornton, whose performance has also been recognized with award nominations.
9 Your Friends And Neighbors (2025)
Andrew “Coop”Cooper
Apple TV+ continues its trend of quality programming with Your Friends and Neighbors, which follows Andrew “Coop” Cooper—a hedge fund manager turned criminal. The engaging narrative unfolds as Coop attempts to maintain his luxurious lifestyle after losing his job, weaving a compelling tale of moral decline.
Hamm excels as Coop, embodying charm and depth, which enhances the character’s descent into crime. His dynamic chemistry with the cast amplifies the drama and intrigue of the series, making it a standout performance.
8 Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone”Simpson
In a highly anticipated sequel, Top Gun: Maverick marks Tom Cruise’s return to his iconic role, this time as a mentor to a new generation of aviators. Jon Hamm plays Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone”Simpson, a key figure who navigates the tensions surrounding Maverick’s return.
The film achieved monumental success, grossing over $1.4 billion and earning critical acclaim, including six Oscar nominations. Hamm’s performance as Cyclone adds complexity to the film’s themes of legacy and leadership.
7 The Morning Show (2023)
Paul Marks
In Season 3 of The Morning Show, Hamm steps into the role of Paul Marks, a tech billionaire looking to invest in a struggling UBA network amid changing media landscapes. This season emphasizes the competition streaming services pose to traditional TV.
Hamm’s character introduces a fresh power dynamic within the show, particularly affecting the female leads played by Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, underscoring his ability to bring depth to complex characters.
6 The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2020)
Richard Wayne Gary Wayne
In the critically acclaimed series The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Hamm portrays Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, a manipulative cult leader. His character is pivotal to Kimmy’s backstory, as he abducts her and her friends, keeping them captive for 15 years.
Hamm’s performance oscillates between sleazy charm and profound depth, becoming integral to the series’ humor and narrative arcs. His role earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination, demonstrating his comedic talents.
5 Good Omens (2019-2023)
Archangel Gabriel
Good Omens features Hamm as the Archangel Gabriel, a character initially mentioned only in the source material. Hamm’s portrayal of Gabriel becomes significant in the television adaptation, particularly as the character transitions from a devout angel to one questioning his place in the celestial hierarchy.
The series blends comedy and fantasy, with Hamm delivering a compelling performance that captures Gabriel’s complexity, contributing to the show’s overall acclaim, which includes three Primetime Emmy nominations.
4 The Town (2010)
Adam Frawley
In The Town, directed by Ben Affleck, Hamm plays Adam Frawley, the relentless FBI agent pursuing a group of bank robbers. This crime drama, based on a novel, explores the moral dilemmas of its protagonists, as one of them develops feelings for a victim.
Even though Hamm did not garner awards recognition for his role, his performance as Frawley is a compelling addition to the film, which has received significant praise from critics.
3 Baby Driver (2017)
Jason “Buddy”Van Horne
In Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver, Hamm portrays Jason “Buddy” Van Horne, thoroughly immersing himself in the role of a volatile bank robber whose partnership with fellow criminal Darling complicates their heist operations. This stylish crime film features a rich musical score, with Hamm’s character bringing an unexpected intensity to the narrative.
Wright wrote Buddy specifically for Hamm, showcasing his talents in a role that encapsulates the chaos of criminal life while maintaining an engaging romantic subtext.
2 Fargo (2023-2024)
Sheriff Roy Tillman
In the fifth season of Fargo, Hamm portrays Sheriff Roy Tillman, a character entwined in a gripping narrative about kidnapping and manipulation. This season marks a return to the series’ roots, combining dark humor with convoluted character dynamics.
Hamm’s performance as Tillman adds a compelling duality, showcasing both authority and vulnerability, contributing to the season’s success and garnering six Primetime Emmy nominations, including one for Hamm himself.
1 Mad Men (2007-2015)
Don Draper
Without a doubt, Mad Men stands as Jon Hamm’s defining television role, catapulting him to international stardom. As Don Draper, the enigmatic creative director of a 1960s advertising agency, Hamm delivered a performance that explored identity, ambition, and the complexity of human relationships.
The show received 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe awards, including numerous nominations for Hamm himself, earning him accolades for his outstanding portrayal of Draper throughout its seven-season run.