Mad Men star Jon Hamm is determined that his career will be in front rather than behind the camera.
Despite having directed a few episodes of Mad Men, for which he received an Emmy nomination, the 43-year-old said: “I am happier in front of the camera – honestly, it is where I am most comfortable. Being behind the camera involves a whole other skill set that I will leave to wonderful directors.”
Hamm, who shot to fame playing troubled bad-boy advertising executive Don Draper in the hit US TV show, gets to play a good guy in his new film, Million Dollar Arm.
He plays J.B. Bernstein in the movie, which is based on the true story of how he set up a talent contest in India to find young cricketers who could be converted into star baseball pitchers. The film also stars veteran actor Alan Arkin.
Hamm is grateful that Mad Men’s success has not seen him become typecast.
He said: “I have been able to do some fairly varying roles in my film career – whether it is The Town or Bridesmaids – I have been able to sort of navigate that water relatively harmlessly and hopefully I will be able to continue to do so.
“If there is one thing about the show that I am most proud of, it is that the show exists and we have come to the end of it and we are all still standing – that it’s probably my proudest achievement, which is making it through alive.”
Hamm, a long-time baseball fan, said he is starting to get used to the intricacies of cricket.
I have been able to sort of navigate that water relatively harmlessly and hopefully I will be able to continue to do so
“I can appreciate cricket – I would not call myself a fan,” he said.
“When we were over in India I got the opportunity to watch some of the IPL and last year when I was shooting A Young Doctor’s Notebook (with Daniel Radcliffe). I got the chance to watch some of the Ashes. I understand England in India had a nice match recently and came out on top – so cheers to them.”
Hamm, who has been in London for the UK premiere of Million Dollar Arm, said he did not find playing a real-life character at all limiting. In fact, he said, it was helpful having Bernstein around to talk to because he was an extra set of eyes for all the areas of the story which were condensed for the big screen.
He said: “J.B. loved the film. He should because it is sort of celebrating his life’s work. The thing that he did was really thinking outside of the box and it really has taken hold.
“It has given a lot of kids in India an opportunity to do something which this time 10 years ago they really would not have had a chance to do.”