SmartLess

Re Release Jon Hamm

February 12, 2026

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  • Jon Hamm taught eighth-grade acting at his alma mater, John Burroughs High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ellie Kemper was one of his students. 
  • Hamm's career breakthrough with *Mad Men* came after a difficult period where he tested for seven pilots and failed before landing the role, which he credits to being prepared for the fast pace of television production. 
  • Hamm is excited about an upcoming trip to the Alps for his 51st birthday and his role in the sequel to *Top Gun*, which he describes as exactly what audiences want from the film. 

Segments

Yaz Music and Teenage Romance
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(00:01:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Jon Hamm had a formative romantic experience in Chicago fueled by Yaz music.
  • Summary: The conversation begins with a discussion about the band Yaz, leading Jon Hamm to share a story about falling in love at age 15 while working a telethon in Chicago, where Yaz was the soundtrack to the weekend. This sparks a tangent about Yaz songwriter Vince Clarke.
Childhood Discipline Stories
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(00:03:34)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts and guest shared contrasting, memorable stories about getting into trouble as children.
  • Summary: Prompted by a question about childhood trouble, Scotty’s story of having his mouth washed out with soap by nuns is shared. Jon Hamm counters with a story about accidentally breaking his mother’s wooden spoon with a broom while trying to block a swat.
Jon Hamm’s High School Life
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(00:10:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Hamm attended a well-rounded high school that encouraged participation across arts and sports, where he excelled academically and participated in theater.
  • Summary: Jon Hamm describes his high school, John Burroughs High School in St. Louis, as encouraging participation in everything, without strict social stratification. He mentions graduating with honors and playing Judas in the senior production of Godspell.
Teaching Acting After College
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(00:14:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Hamm returned to his high school to teach acting, working alongside former teachers who became colleagues.
  • Summary: Hamm explains that he taught eighth-grade acting at his alma mater after college, even working under the teacher who inspired him to pursue acting professionally. He moved to LA in 1995.
Pre-Mad Men Career Struggles
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(00:21:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Hamm faced significant professional rejection, failing seven pilot auditions before landing the role on Mad Men.
  • Summary: Hamm details the difficult period before Mad Men, including being fired from one pilot and failing seven subsequent auditions. His last job before Mad Men ended with him being fired after his love interest was let go.
Advice for Young Actors
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(00:35:32)
  • Key Takeaway: The most crucial advice for young actors is mastering the business side and always being prepared, as there is no time on set for process work.
  • Summary: Hamm advises young actors that acting schools rarely teach the business side—managing time, expectations, and travel logistics. He stresses that on set, directors expect actors to be ready immediately upon the call of ‘action.’
Working with Jeff Bridges and Drew Goddard
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(00:41:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Hamm considered working with Jeff Bridges on Bad Times at the El Royale a career highlight.
  • Summary: Hamm discusses his positive experience filming Bad Times at the El Royale, noting he shot his scenes chronologically with Jeff Bridges, whom he deeply admires. He also notes the director, Drew Goddard, was someone he knew from the WB promo voiceover days.
Upcoming Projects and Travel Plans
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(00:45:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Hamm is excited about an upcoming birthday trip to the Alps and his role in the Top Gun sequel.
  • Summary: Hamm shares his excitement for a two-week trip to Switzerland, France, and Italy for his 50th birthday celebration. He also reveals he is in the Top Gun sequel, which he calls ‘really, really good.’