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Jon Hamm Interview on ‘Mad Men’s Final Season and Saying Goodbye to Don Draper

Jon Hamm Interview on Mad Men's Final Season
Jon Hamm as Don Draper in ‘Mad Men’ (Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3 / AMC)

Jon Hamm and the cast of AMC’s Mad Men joined series creator/writer/director Matthew Weiner at the Television Critics Association’s winter press event in Los Angeles to talk – without giving away any spoilers – about the final season of the critically acclaimed, award-winning series. In addition to taking part in a press conference, Hamm sat down with a few journalists to discuss the end of the series and the memories he’ll take away from being a part of this incredible show.

Mad Men‘s final episodes kick off on Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 10pm ET/PT.

Are you going to be glad when that final episode does air and you don’t have to dodge questions?

Jon Hamm: “There’s no version of this ending that is not super painful for me, and mostly it’s because of [the actors] and [Matthew Weiner] because they’ve been the single constant in my creative life for the last decade. So, that’s kind of tough. And, yeah, I will be happy when the shows air and I won’t have to fake like I don’t know how it ends or make up some ridiculous story about robots or zombies or something. But I will never be able to have this again, and that’s a drag.”

What were your expectations when you took this part and at what point did you realize you were involved in something special?

Jon Hamm: “I certainly in 2006 would not have expected to be sitting here having the experience over the last 10 years or eight, nine years, whatever it is. So there’s no version of it that I can imagine in my mind that would equal what actually happened. And not only creatively and what we got to do and what I got to do in playing this person, but tangentially, this amazing group of people that I got to get to know.

It’s become, for better and worse, but mostly better, just a part of my life and a significant part of my life. So there’s not a lot of jobs you can point to, at least in our world that have that impact.”

Do you remember when you came in to read for this series for the very first time?

Jon Hamm: “I certainly do. It was in Santa Monica in February of 2005 or 2006. I had to drive from Los Feliz to Santa Monica in the rain, which anybody who lives in LA knows that it’s a disaster to get to Santa Monica from Los Feliz in the best conditions.

[Laughing] It took me about two and a half hours to get there…that’s a little bit of an exaggeration. It was in this weird place and it was literally me and a 17 year old who was in the same place to audition for a commercial. So it was a very strange experience and that was the first audition I had which was only with the casting director. That was the first of seven auditions it took me to get it.”

What can you say about the kind of tone or note the show’s going out on?

Jon Hamm: “Well, I can basically tell you nothing. But what Christina [Hendricks] said was the most salient for me which was it wasn’t so much being surprised, it’s just being pleased. I got misty just watching what they’ve showed because it means so much to me. These people mean so much to me; these characters mean so much to me. So, it was pleasing to have a satisfying ending – and to have an ending. It’s a story, it needs to have an ending. If there’s no end to the story, you never get to go to bed. So, it’s nice to go to bed.”

Is there a quintessential episode or moment that you will take away saying that is Don Draper to you?

Jon Hamm: “I think the pilot. I think it’s all in the pilot. I think the whole foundation of the show is in the pilot, not only for Don, Peggy, Roger, Pete, but for all of the characters – it’s all in the pilot.”

The opening titles are ambiguous but do you see yourself in that silhouette that’s falling?

Jon Hamm: “Well, it’s modeled after me so yes. Yes, it’s my body that’s been animated. Do I see myself Jon Hamm? No, it’s Don Draper. It’s a recollection of the character. That said, our story over the last 10 years has been about not just Don Draper; it’s been certainly about all of the people on stage [at the TCAs], not insignificantly also our fearless leader, Matthew Weiner. So, he’s the one at the end of the day who writes that. It’s an incredibly evocative 30 seconds or 90 seconds, whatever it is, that starts the show. Hopefully we live up to it.”

What will you miss most?

Jon Hamm: “All of it. There’s no one thing.”

Did you take anything from the set as a souvenir?

Jon Hamm: “I did not. I took nothing from the set. Memories, they were delightful. Most of it was rented so if I would have taken it, I would have been literally stealing.”

How are you handling your career post-Mad Men?

Jon Hamm: “Bryan [Cranston’s] done a really wonderful job of it as have others that I’ve fortunately gotten to know. Bryan is obviously a wonderful actor and a wonderful guy as well, and he’s done what I think we can all take a lesson from and I watched Jimmy Gandolfini do it as well, god bless him, which is move on from the character.

Everybody wants to identify you as that particular character but as actors if you just bang on the same piano key over and over again it gets boring. Not only for yourself, but I think for the audience, and both of those gentlemen we very intelligent to do different things. I think that’s what I’m trying to take away from it is to get to work with different people and do different things, and fortunately have the opportunity to do so.”




First Look at ‘Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston and Diane Kruger in ‘The Infiltrator’

First Photo of Bryan Cranston and Diane Kruger in The Infiltrator

Filming is now underway on the dramatic thriller The Infiltrator directed by Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer) and starring Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, and John Leguizamo. The cast of the Good Films production also includes Benjamin Bratt, Elena Anaya, Olympia Dukakis, Juliet Aubrey, and Amy Ryan.

Ellen Brown Furman adapted Robert Mazur’s book for the screen. Filming is currently taking place in London, and will move to Florida next month to finish up.

“With Bryan and Diane leading our incredible cast and Brad Furman directing, we have brought together the perfect team to bring Mazur’s astonishing true story to the big screen,” said Good Films founder and producer Miriam Segal.

The Plot: “Set amidst the lavish excess of the 1980s, The Infiltrator tells the story of Robert Mazur AKA Robert Musella, who became a pivotal player for drug lords cleaning their dirty cash. He traded on mob connections to become the confidant to scores of the international underworld, and the bankers who enabled them. Laying his life on the line, he infiltrated the globe’s largest cartels and discovered just how deep into society their influence extended.

Based on the true story of a fearless undercover agent, The Infiltrator is a heart-stopping account of one of history’s most elaborate stings. The operation reeled in key players in a chain stretching all the way to Escobar. Their arrests would lead to the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International, and shake the black economy to its core.”

Jonathan Groff is Honored as a Trailblazer

Jonathan Groff Is Honored as a Trailblazer
Jonathan Groff at the ‘Frozen’ premiere (Photo © Richard Chavez)

Actor Jonathan Groff (Looking, Glee, Frozen) was chosen by the Point Foundation to receive the Point Horizon Award. According to the official announcement, Groff was selected as a “young trailblazer who has taken a leadership role as an advocate of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.” Groff will accept the honor during a ceremony to be held on April 13, 2015 at the New York Public Library.

Golden Globe winner Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) is also set to pick up the Point Courage Award during the Point Foundation’s special fundraising benefit.

“As a proud member of the ever-evolving LGBTQ community, I am so moved by how the Point Foundation truly brings us together as a community in order to reach back and help the youngest generation find pride and inspiration in being who they are. The Foundation helps these young LGBTQ scholars, at perhaps their most vulnerable age, realize that the thing that makes them different can be one of their greatest assets,” said Groff.

“Jonathan Groff is a young star of great talent, ambition and vision – very much like our Point Scholars,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. “He is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and uses his position to speak about both the challenges and opportunities young LGBTQ people face in society. As an actor and an advocate, Groff is an inspiration to the next generation of LGBTQ leaders.”

Norman Reedus Directs The Bots “Blinded” Music Video

Norman Reedus Directs The Bots Music Video
The Bots (Photo by Elijah Dominique)

The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus stepped behind the camera to direct the music video for The Bots’ “Blinded” which just debuted on The FADER. Brothers Mikaiah Lei (Lead Vocal, Guitar, Bass) and Anaiah Lei (Drums & Percussions, Backing Vocal) have been making music together since they were teens and have already released three albums, an EP (Sincerely Sorry), and have toured in support of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bad Brains, and Damon Albarn’s Africa Express as well as performing at numerous festivals and two Vans Warped Tours. And they recently made their network television debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers performing “Blinded.”

“Love those dudes,” said Walking Dead fan favorite Reedus who shot the video using a Digital Bolex D16. “They were up for anything and we kinda worked on the fly coming up with things as we went along and they had such good ideas. I’m a fan.”

Upcoming Tour Dates:
03/23 Rough Trade in Brooklyn, NY
03/26 Schubas in Chicago, IL
03/28 Rave in Milwaukee, WI
03/29 Triple Rock in Minneapolis, MN
04/01 Record Bar in Kansas City, MO
04/02 Kilby Court in Salt Lake City, UT
04/04 Tractor Tavern in Seattle, WA
04/05 Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, OR
04/07 The Independent in San Francisco, CA
04/08 Club Bahia in Los Angeles, CA
04/09 Casbah in San Diego, CA
05/30 Sweetlife Festival in Columbia, MD
08/28-30 Redding & Leeds Festival in the UK


-By Rebecca Murray

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50th Academy of Country Music Awards Performers Announced

50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Performers
Jason Aldean
(Photo Credit: Jim Wright)

An all-star lineup has been set for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards taking place on April 19, 2015 in Arlington, Texas and airing live on CBS. Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan are co-hosting the show, and artists lined up to take the stage include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Reba, George Strait, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhet, and Cole Swindell. Hosts Shelton and Bryan are also scheduled to perform during one of Country music’s biggest nights.

This year’s awards show will mark the debut of new music by Artist of the Decade George Strait.

Miranda Lambert earned the most nominations with eight followed by Dierks Bentley with seven. Florida Georgia Line picked up five nominations and Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney and Eric Church each were nominated for four ACM awards.

Complete list of the 2015 ACM Awards nominees


-By Rebecca Murray

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Will Ferrell Hits the Field for a Baseball-Themed HBO Special

Will Ferrell, HBO, and Funny or Die Announce Baseball Special
Will Ferrell (Photo © Richard Chavez)

Will Ferrell, Funny or Die, and HBO are teaming up on a new special in which Ferrell will be traveling to five spring training ballparks in Arizona in one day, participating in five games, playing 10 positions – and it’s all for charity. Ferrell, MLB, HBO, and Funny or Die are putting together the special in support of the fight against cancer and in honor of Bert “Campy” Campaneris who will join Ferrell in Arizona as he attempts to play in five games in a single day. Back in 1965, Campaneris played all nine positions in a single game for the Kansas City Athletics.

The HBO special is a fundraiser for charities including Cancer for College, a non-profit dedicated to helping people affected by cancer attend college. Memorabilia from Ferrell’s full day of baseball will be auctioned off at MLB.com to raise funds for Cancer for College and Stand Up To Cancer.

Commenting on the event, Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. stated, “Spring training affords an appropriate setting where our game can serve as the backdrop for an event that will benefit organizations that fight cancer. Will is a big fan of our game, and many of us in baseball – among our clubs, players and our millions of fans – are big fans of his. Major League Baseball is happy to take part in what will surely be a fun and memorable day for a great cause.”

Ferrell’s schedule for March 12th:
12:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics (HoHoKam Stadium)
1:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Tempe Diablo Stadium)
2:10 p.m. Cincinnati Reds at Arizona Diamondbacks (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick)
4:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants at Chicago White Sox (Camelback Ranch)
6:15 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres (Peoria Stadium)


-By Rebecca Murray

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‘The 100’ Season 2 Finale Preview

The 100 Season 2 Finale Preview
Eliza Taylor as Clarke in ‘The 100’ (Photo Credit: Cate Cameron © 2015 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved)

The CW’s The 100 finishes up season two tonight with the second half of a game-changing episode titled “Blood Must Have Blood.” The series has found its footing over the course of the second season and has become one of the most risk-taking shows on The CW. “Blood Must Have Blood, Part Two” airs on March 11, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT and was written by executive producer Jason Rothenberg and directed by Dean White.

The Plot: The journey to the City of Light continues, and Jaha (Isaiah Washington) makes a move that shocks Murphy (guest star Richard Harmon). Clarke (Eliza Taylor) receives help from an unexpected source, a visitor surprises Octavia (Marie Avgeropoulos), and Lincoln (Ricky Whittle) gets his revenge. Meanwhile, at Mount Weather, Cage (guest star Johnny Whitworth) moves forward with his mission and Bellamy (Bob Morley) and the group struggle to break free. Paige Turco, Henry Ian Cusick, Lindsey Morgan and Christopher Larkin also star.

– Season 2 Cast Interviews: Devon Bostick / Ricky Whittle / Marie Avgeropoulos / Lindsey Morgan

Go Behind the Scenes of Netflix’s ‘Bloodline’ Starring Kyle Chandler and Sissy Spacek

Netflix will be releasing all 13 episodes of the drama Bloodline on March 20, 2015 and in support of the show’s upcoming debut they’ve unveiled a behind-the-scenes look at the fictional family at the heart of the series, the Rayburns. In the new four-minute video, cast members and the show’s executive producers talk about what viewers can expect from the series as well as provide key details on each of the central characters.

Created by Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman, and Glenn Kessler, Bloodline stars Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Sam Shepard, Sissy Spacek, Norbert Leo Butz, Jamie McShane, Jacinda Barrett, Enrique Murciano, Chloe Sevigny, Steve Pasquale, Mia Kirshner, and Katie Finneran.

Bloodline Behind the Scenes Video with Kyle Chandler and Sissy Spacek

The Plot: “On March 20th, Netflix audiences around the world will meet the Rayburns, a contemporary American family who are hard-working pillars of their Florida community. But when the black sheep and eldest son, Danny (Ben Mendelsohn) comes home for the 45th anniversary of his parents’ hotel, he threatens to expose the Rayburns dark secrets and shameful past, pushing his siblings to the limits of family loyalty.”

‘Tomorrowland’s Britt Robertson Earns Star of Tomorrow Award

Britt Robertson is the 2015 Star of Tomorrow
Britt Robertson in ‘Tomorrowland’ (Photo © Disney 2015)

Britt Robertson, who stars opposite George Clooney in Disney’s upcoming sci-fi adventure Tomorrowland, has been named as the recipient of this year’s CinemaCon Star of Tomorrow Award. Managing Director of CinemaCon Mitch Neuhauser announced the honor, stating, “With an already stellar resume under her belt Britt Robertson has proven to critics and audiences alike that she has an undeniable talent and ability to hold her own with some of the most proclaimed actors and actresses of our generation. With her upcoming role in Tomorrowland Robertson will once again showcase that she is a force to be reckoned with and we could not be more thrilled to present her with this year’s ‘CinemaCon 2015 Star of Tomorrow Award.’”

CinemaCon is the annual gathering of members of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and this year’s convention will take place April 20 – 23 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Robertson will accept her Star of Tomorrow award during the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards ceremony on April 23rd.

Disney’s Tomorrowland was directed by Brad Bird and opens in theaters on May 22, 2015. The cast also includes Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

Robertson will also be seen starring opposite Scott Eastwood in 20th Century Fox’s The Longest Ride coming to theaters on April 10th. Her other credits include Life Unexpected, Under the Dome, The Secret Circle, Delivery Man, and Cake.


-By Rebecca Murray

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‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Who You Really Are Recap – Season 2, Episode 12

Agents of SHIELD Who You Really Are Recap
Clark Gregg and Jaimie Alexander in ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ‘ (Photo Credit: (ABC / Kelsey McNeal)

Episode 12 of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season two titled “Who You Really Are” aired on March 10, 2015 on ABC. If you missed a key scene or just need a recap of everything that went down, here’s a detailed look at this pivotal episode:

Scene: Faro, Portugal

A group of young people are on the beach around a campfire. They see someone walking out of the ocean. It’s Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander). She’s looking for Cava. One of the young men comes on to her, but she sends him flying. When he asks who she is, she says, “I do not know.”

At SHIELD, Skye (Chloe Bennet) and May (Ming-Na Wen) are sparring. Skye is pulling her punches and May wants her to let go. Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) comes in to check on Skye, but May sends him away.

Bobbi (Adrianne Palicki) and Hunter are in bed. Hunter (Nick Blood) tells her Coulson (Clark Gregg) made him an offer for a permanent job. They talk about whether or not he should take it, especially because it would mean the two of them continue working together. But when Hunter leaves, Bobbi’s face falls. (She has a secret!)

Mac and Coulson are doing inventory. Coulson tells Mack (Henry Simmons) his talents are being wasted working on gadgets and equipments, and that he wants him out in the field. May comes to tell Coulson a Portugal operative called in and there’s trouble.

Coulson and May arrive at the Portuguese police station to pick up Lady Sif, who is still looking for Cava. Coulson shows her evidence that they’ve worked together before, and that she knows him. (“Son of Cole”) She explains that she doesn’t remember anything except that she is from Asgard. Coulson promises to help her. Then May shows them a video Skye found that shows Lady Sif battling a man on the pier, but no one recognizes him.


That same man walks into a hospital and accosts the nurse at the front desk, asking for fuel. He tells her he’s there because someone in their world has changed. (Is it Skye?) As he threatens her with what appears to be something similar to a ball-peen hammer, his face starts turning blue. (Gasp!)

At SHIELD, Fitz/Simmons shows Coulson and Lady Sif other videos of her they found. When they zoom in, they see something blue. Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) tells Coulson that when they find the man, to contain him at any cost, and ask questions later.

At the pier, Coulson and May try to help Lady Sif remember who she is. Hunter, Mack and Fitz are searching the pier for clues. Hunter finds a clue that Fitz uploads to Simmons.

At the hospital, Bobbi and Skye investigate the man’s appearance. They see the nurse he accosted in the background. She can’t remember who she is, either.

At the beach, Coulson, May and Lady Sif talk to an old balloon seller, who tells them that the man they’re looking for broke the valves off of his helium tanks. From headquarters, Simmons tells them that the man had been using liquid nitrogen. Bobbi calls Coulson to tell him that the man had been at the hospital and they’re searching for him. Coulson sends them looking for wherever they keep the liquid nitrogen.

Skye and Bobbi find him with the tanks, using the liquid nitrogen to keep from turning blue. Bobbi takes him on, but he flings her across the room. Skye pulls out her gun, but she starts shaking and everything starts coming apart, including the gun. The man/alien escapes.

At SHIELD, Lady Sif, Skye and Coulson figure out the man is Kree, and that cava is actually a word that means “keys.”

Skye talks to Fitz in private. She says they need to tell Coulson about her powers. Fitz tells her to wait until his tests are complete. Hunter interrupts and they leave.

Mack and Bobbi talk about Hunter staying, and whether they should bring him into whatever they’re doing. Mack tells Bobbi that she needs to push him away, to protect him for when they “pull the trigger.” (Are they terrorists?)

Coulson, Lady Sif, May and Skye figure out that the Kree is headed to Chavez, Portugal. Skye asks to sit out this mission. Coulson agrees, but Lady Sif and May are suspicious.

The Kree man finds a carved stone container, just as the SHIELD team comes upon him. They contain him with a taser net.

Back on “the bus,” Lady Sif and Coulson interrogate the Kree. He claims he’s there to help.

In another room, Bobbi and Hunter inspect the Kree’s truncheon. He tries to get cozy, but she shuts him down. Mack walks in an realizes she’s pushing Hunter away.

The plane lands at HQ. Coulson, May, Skye and Lady Sif are questioning the Kree when he suddenly attacks Coulson to get his truncheon and use it on Lady Sif, which restores her memories. He explains how the Kree genetically modified certain humans so that they could help fight their war. He tells them how the alien city was built by a faction who were looking to take over the Earth. He explains that he’s there to get rid of the Diviners (like the one Raina used) so that none of the other “abominations” will be created.

In the lab, Simmons discovers Fitz’s DNA results. He tells her it’s just a simulation in order to keep Skye’s secret.

Coulson’s group keeps talking about the humans who were transformed. They talk about how the creatures must be put down. Skye becomes increasingly nervous, and everything begins to shake. May realizes that Skye is at the heart of what’s happening. When Coulson questions her, she finally confesses, but her high emotions blow out the window behind her.

Lady Sif demands that they hand over Skye so she can be taken to Asgard. Coulson defends her. May runs away with Skye while Coulson pulls guns on Lady Sif and the Kree. Fitz runs after them, which makes Simmons realize that he knew about Skye all along. Finally the Kree has enough and throws Coulson. Bobbi and Mac run up against the Kree, trying to keep him from Skye. Mac gets knocked out, and Hunter joins the fray, until he gets knocked out. Then Bobbi takes him on.

May takes Skye into a cell and closes the wall to protect them. May tries to get Skye to calm down and focus. Lady Sif slices through the digital wall with her sword.

Meanwhile, the Kree and Bobbi are fighting. He asks her why she’s bothering when she knows she won’t win. Just then, Hunter shoots him with their blaster and Bobbi finishes him off with his own truncheon.

Back in the cell, Lady Sif breaks through. Skye realizes she can’t control her power, so she shoots herself with a sleeper gun to knock herself out. Lady Sif realizes that Skye might not be the weapon she thought she was.

Coulson and May drive Lady Sif and the Kree out into the forest. He remembers nothing, thanks to Bobbi’s hit. Lady Sif warns Coulson that he and his people are in danger if they keep Skye, that what’s happening may be beyond their scope. Then she takes the Kree back to his realm. After they’re gone, May confesses to Coulson that she, too, worries that they’re all in jeopardy because of Skye.

Back at HQ, the rest of the team is cleaning up Skye’s mess. Fitz apologizes to Simmons for lying, but she tells Fitz she would never hurt Skye. Mack, Bobbi and Hunter agree with her. But when Fitz starts arguing that he was trying to protect Skye, Mack explains that they should have been told because THEY need to be protected from Skye. Then we see that Skye has heard everything they’ve said. Fitz runs after her, but she leaves and heads into a cell, with a packed bag on her shoulder.

In the hanger, Hunter confronts Mack about his and Bobbi’s secret. When Hunter tells Mack everything he knows, Mac puts him in a sleeper hold, knocking him unconscious.

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