Then and now: The cast of 'Mad Men' on the show and their characters

Jon Hamm (Don Draper):
THEN: “The thing is, I don’t walk around town in an exquisitely tailored suit with my hair perfectly combed back with scotch in hand, so I can avoid being recognized by the public. This show isn’t 'American Idol' — thank God. I’ve been fortunate to fly under the radar”
NOW: “I drank apple juice or ice tea in lieu of scotch. And smoked herbal cigarettes, which taste awful by the way. I, fortunately, quit smoking in my 20s.”

Christina Hendricks (Joan Harris/Joan Holloway):
THEN: “I believed in this project so much that I was fired by my agents who wanted me to go with another network pilot that was a safer bet.”
NOW: “I learned a lot about fashion and style thanks to Mad Men. I thought I knew it all before this role, but I really didn’t. Joan really taught me how to present myself.”

Vincent Karheiser (Pete Campbell):
THEN: “It’s a real character part. He represents that cocky frat graduate back in the '60s – you know, men who thought they were entitled and the world owed ‘em something.”
NOW: “Pete’s still standing. He’s learned how to get what he wants – without getting kicked in the teeth. He’s grown… and likeable!”

January Jones (Betty Draper/Betty Francis):
THEN: “The pilot script was a page turner. It was original and unpredictable. What I like about Betty is that she’s not necessarily likeable.”
NOW: “I’ll miss all the parties and seeing everyone in one room. We never had expectations of winning any awards; only to have fun and get into trouble!”
![John Slattery (Roger Sterling):
THEN: “I tested for Don Draper and wanted the role really bad! But they went with a lesser talented and handsome guy [Jon Hamm].”
NOW: “Luckily, Roger is the counterpart to Don and he was really more entertaining to play in the end because of his humour. It all worked out.”](/images/stories/0/2015/04/10/000/223/254/gallery_5_3.jpg)
John Slattery (Roger Sterling):
THEN: “I tested for Don Draper and wanted the role really bad! But they went with a lesser talented and handsome guy [Jon Hamm].”
NOW: “Luckily, Roger is the counterpart to Don and he was really more entertaining to play in the end because of his humour. It all worked out.”
![Elizabeth Moss (Peggy Olson):
THEN: “I love that the characters are flawed. Peggy is unique: she’s earnest, optimistic and strange, but she also has her secrets.”
NOW: “I’m not sure why any of us [actors] haven’t won [Emmys] for Mad Men. The writing and acting are very subtle, which maybe doesn’t translate with voters looking for those big, splashy moments.”](/images/stories/0/2015/04/10/000/223/252/gallery_5_3.jpg)
Elizabeth Moss (Peggy Olson):
THEN: “I love that the characters are flawed. Peggy is unique: she’s earnest, optimistic and strange, but she also has her secrets.”
NOW: “I’m not sure why any of us [actors] haven’t won [Emmys] for Mad Men. The writing and acting are very subtle, which maybe doesn’t translate with voters looking for those big, splashy moments.”
![Matthew Weiner (right):
THEN: “I hesitated to cast Jon [Hamm] because he was too beautiful. But then I appreciated the juxtaposition of a perfect-looking man who felt ugly inside.”
NOW: “Yes, the show documents sexism, for sure, but I also wanted to pinpoint when America began to lose its innocence - when corporations started bending the truth to sell products.”](/images/stories/0/2015/04/10/000/223/264/gallery_5_3.jpg)
Matthew Weiner (right):
THEN: “I hesitated to cast Jon [Hamm] because he was too beautiful. But then I appreciated the juxtaposition of a perfect-looking man who felt ugly inside.”
NOW: “Yes, the show documents sexism, for sure, but I also wanted to pinpoint when America began to lose its innocence - when corporations started bending the truth to sell products.”