Mad Men Main Cast Then and Now at a Glance
This overview shows where the Mad Men cast then and now stands as of the 2020s, drawing on publicly confirmed credits, interviews, and official announcements. The series ran from 2007 to 2015, centered on advertising professionals at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce in 1960s New York, led by Jon Hamm as Don Draper. The table that follows captures verifiable career milestones and current roles, focusing on enduring professional paths rather than speculative details. Below we break down key members, trace their trajectories, and clarify present activities based on authoritative sources.
| Cast Member (Character) | Primary Role on Mad Men | Notable Career Focus After Series | Current Professional Status (2020s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Hamm (Don Draper) | Creative Director / Lead | Film and prestige TV, including roles in SpaceX commercials and The Crown | Active in selective film and series projects; maintains public presence through curated appearances |
| Elisabeth Moss (Peggy Olson) | Copywriter / Partner | Streaming originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Offer | Primarily series television and film; continues to choose character-driven roles |
| Vincent Kartheiser (Pete Campbell) | Account Executive / Series Regular | Work across network and cable, including The Knick and newer dramas | Selective television and film; intermittently active in recent cycles |
| January Jones (Betty Draper) | Lead Wife and Family Storyline | Film and guest roles; vocal about personal boundaries | Limited public roles; selective projects, often outside the public eye |
| Christina Hendricks (Joan Holloway) | Office Manager / Partner Track | Peake, Good Girls, advocacy and public speaking on women in media | Active in series and film; balances acting with ongoing public engagement |
| Jeremy Strong (Kendall Howard) | Strategic Account Lead | Succession (2018–2023), film, and limited series | Consistent screen presence through prestige series and features |
| Michael Gladis (Paul Kinsey) | Senior Account Executive | Epix series Graves, various film and television work | Continues to take episodic and feature roles with measured frequency |
| Rich Sommer (Harry Crane) | Head of TV Commercial Production | Guest-driven television, including The Leftovers and Better Call Saul | Steady television guest and recurring roles across networks |
| John Slattery (Stan Rizzo) | Creative Director and Copy Chief | Lead roles in shows like Billions and multiple film features | Active in both films and series, often in authoritative or character roles |
| Alec Baldwin (Jack Donaghy) | NBC Executive (30 Rock cross-over) | Film and late-night hosting; consistent comedic and dramatic work | High-profile media presence; selective but sustained screen work |
Jon Hamm: From Don Draper to Selective Projects
Jon Hamm anchored the Mad Men cast then and now as the emblematic creative director Don Draper. His portrayal earned widespread recognition and shaped the tone of the series. Since the finale in 2015, Hamm has pursued a curated mix of film and television, including narrating high-profile campaigns and appearing in prestige contexts such as The Crown. He maintains a disciplined public footprint, choosing roles that emphasize craft over volume. This approach has helped preserve an aura of professionalism that aligns with his Mad Men legacy while allowing room for evolving screen work into the 2020s.
Elisabeth Moss: Leading Through Depth in Series and Film
Elisabeth Moss brought intense focus to the role of Peggy Olson, a copywriter whose arc defined much of the show’s emotional backbone. After Mad Men, Moss embraced complex genre work, most notably The Handmaid’s Tale, which foregrounded her ability to carry a major series. She has also taken on producing and advocacy initiatives that underscore creative leadership. Her current projects continue to prioritize character-first storytelling, confirming her trajectory as a durable force in long-form television and features.
Vincent Kartheiser: Navigating Career Consistency
Vincent Kartheiser portrayed Pete Campbell, an account executive whose evolution mirrored the show’s shifting business landscape. Since the series ended, Kartheiser has sustained intermittent visibility through series such as The Knick and other scripted dramas. His approach to the Mad Men cast then and now reflects a balance between personal discretion and professional availability. While not in the public spotlight daily, he remains active within the industry, taking roles that leverage his nuanced screen presence.
January Jones: Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Privacy
January Jones played Betty Draper, anchoring the family-centric counterpoint to the firm’s ambitions. Since the close of Mad Men, Jones has maintained a notably low profile, emphasizing personal boundaries and selective project choices. She has appeared in limited public roles and generally avoids the promotional circuit associated with long-running series stars. This measured visibility reflects a conscious pivot toward privacy while preserving a sense of continuity with her earlier work.
Christina Hendricks: Balancing Performance and Advocacy
Christina Hendricks delivered an iconically composed portrayal of Joan Holloway, blending warmth with authority. Post-Mad Men, Hendricks expanded into streaming with Peake and explored mature character roles in series such as Good Girls. Beyond acting, she has engaged in public advocacy focused on representation and workplace equity for women in media. Her current activities blend on-screen work with ongoing participation in industry conversations, demonstrating sustained relevance beyond the original series.
Jeremy Strong and the Modern Era of Screen Success
Although Jeremy Strong joined the Mad Men cast then in a supporting capacity as Kendall Howard, his profile rose sharply through Succession, a series that defined a new phase of his career. His turn in the high-stakes drama showcased his range and intensity, leading to ongoing work in both series and film. Strong’s path illustrates how actors can transition from ensemble prestige dramas to leading roles in globally prominent content, reinforcing the long-term value of character depth and consistency.
Michael Gladis and the Value of Steady Range
Michael Gladis contributed subtle wit as Paul Kinsey, a senior account executive navigating professional and personal change. After Mad Men, Gladis diversified into series such as Epix’s Graves and continued to take episodic and film roles. His career reflects a steady, adaptable approach to screen work, balancing recognizable faces with evolving genre expectations. In the current landscape, this sustained flexibility supports a durable presence within the industry.
Rich Sommer: Consistent Work in Diverse Roles
As head of TV commercial production Harry Crane, Rich Sommer brought a blend of earnestness and ambition to the firm’s creative side. Since the series ended, Sommer has appeared in acclaimed series such as The Leftovers and Better Call Saul, demonstrating range across tones and formats. His trajectory showcases how character actors can maintain visibility through selective guest and recurring roles, staying relevant without compromising artistic standards.
John Slattery: From Creative Director to Leading Presence
John Slattery rounded out the creative leadership as art director and later creative director Stan Rizzo, adding a mix of wit and pragmatism. Post-Mad Men, he transitioned into lead roles in series like Billions, where his authoritative presence anchors complex narratives. Slattery’s work confirms how actors rooted in ensemble casts can successfully pivot to headline-grabbing parts, extending their careers well beyond a defining series.
Alec Baldwin and Expanding Influence Beyond the Core Ensemble
Alec Baldwin appeared in notable cross-over episodes as NBC executive Jack Donaghy, bringing a sharp comedic edge that resonated with audiences. Since Mad Men, Baldwin has maintained a high-profile media presence through film and hosting roles. His approach to the wider entertainment landscape highlights how actors associated with prestige ensembles can amplify their influence through strategic appearances and consistent screen authority.