Jon Hamm's Most Underrated Roles, Past 'Mad Men'

Jon Hamm has long been one of Hollywood’s favorite actors, thanks in large part to his career-defining role as the suave yet troubled Don Draper in Mad Men. His portrayal of the 1960s advertising executive earned him widespread acclaim, cementing his place as a household name. While Mad Men remains one of his most well-known performances, many tend to overlook the breadth of Hamm’s film and television career. From action-packed blockbusters to sharp-witted comedies and intense dramas, the actor has consistently showcased his versatility, leaving many of his roles underrated for those who have yet to look past Mad Men.

Most recently, Hamm has taken on compelling roles in hit series like Landman (which was renewed for a second season mid-March) and The Morning Show, starring alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. His latest project, Your Friends and Neighbors, adds another intriguing character to his growing roster. In the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Hamm plays a disgraced hedge fund manager who, in a desperate bid for redemption, starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors—only to uncover shocking secrets lurking within their seemingly perfect lives.

As Hamm continues to take on diverse and unexpected roles, get familiar with his underrated performances and read on for some movies and TV to watch with the actor, outside of Mad Men.

Baby Driver (2017)

In Baby Driver, Jon Hamm plays Jason "Buddy" Van Horn, a former Wall Street banker turned criminal. Initially, Buddy is a member of Doc’s (Kevin Spacey) crew, often balancing out the group’s more volatile personalities. However, as the film progresses, his character takes a dark turn—especially after a heist goes wrong and his lover, Darling (Eiza González), is killed. Consumed by rage, Buddy becomes the film’s relentless antagonist, hunting down Baby (Ansel Elgort) in a vengeful rampage.

The Morning Show (2019)

​In the third season of The Morning Show, Jon Hamm guest stars as Paul Marks, a charismatic tech billionaire who sets his sights on UBA, the network behind the titular program. Described as a "tall, handsome, innovative genius," Marks' arrival introduces new dynamics, particularly with anchor Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston), hinting at both professional and personal entanglements. 

Confess, Fletch (2022)

In the 2022 film Confess, Fletch, Jon Hamm takes on the role of Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, a former investigative reporter who finds himself entangled in a murder case while attempting to recover stolen art. A reboot of the Fletch film series, originally starring Chevy Chase, the film showcases Hamm’s comedic timing as he navigates the mystery.

Unlike the slapstick humor of its predecessors, Hamm’s portrayal of Fletch leans into a smoother, more laid-back style, making the character feel fresh and modern while still retaining the edge that fans of the series love. His performance was widely praised, with critics noting his ability to balance humor with the film’s noir-inspired detective story.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Although the Top Gun franchise has millions of fans, it seems like many often forget Hamm's role in the film, Top Gun: Maverick. Hamm plays Vice Admiral Beau "Cyclone" Simpson, a high-ranking officer overseeing the Top Gun program. As a by-the-book military leader, Cyclone serves as a stark contrast to Tom Cruise’s Maverick, frequently clashing with him over his unorthodox training methods and reckless flying.

Landman (2024)

​In the Paramount+ series Landman, Jon Hamm portrays Monty Miller, the CEO of M-Tex Oil. Monty is an overworked oil executive with a short fuse and numerous health issues. His longstanding association with Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) highlights his deep entanglement in the complexities of the oil industry.

Throughout the series, Monty's relentless drive and the immense pressures of his position culminate in significant health challenges, leading to his hospitalization and eventual death following a heart transplant operation in the season one finale.