Jon Hamm's Early TV Role: A Hidden Gem

Jon Hamm is widely recognized for his iconic role as Don Draper in Mad Men. However, before his breakout role, Hamm was part of a lesser-known TV show called The Division.

The Division: A Forgotten Gem

The Division aired on Lifetime and centered around a group of San Francisco police officers. Hamm joined the cast in the second season, portraying the character Nate Basso. His performance resonated with audiences, leading to his continued presence for three more seasons.

Hamm's Reflections

In an interview, Hamm discussed his time on The Division, calling it his first significant TV role. He highlighted the valuable lessons he learned, particularly about the unpredictability of TV series. He also shared his experience working with Taraji P. Henson, who later became a major star.

The Show's Legacy

The Division initially enjoyed success but has since faded into obscurity, much like other forgotten shows. Despite its current status, Hamm acknowledged the important lessons he gleaned from the experience. He witnessed firsthand how TV shows can undergo sudden changes, such as actors leaving or roles being reduced—a situation he later encountered on Mad Men.

Unexpected Success

Hamm emphasized that The Division taught him that success can come from unexpected places. He didn't need a prestigious show to make an impact. This mindset led him to take a chance on Mad Men, even though AMC was not yet renowned for high-quality television. For Hamm, any work was good work, and The Division was a crucial stepping stone in his career.