The guys from 'Mad Men'
Supporting men in Emmy contention
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"There's the physical part of it," says John Slattery, who plays Roger Sterling on AMC's 1960s-set "Mad Men." "We did a scene where I had to come in, make a drink and light a cigarette. I was like, 'How the hell did they do this?' Smoking and drinking at the same time isn't easy."
Associated props and the constricting clothes of the era impact the actors' performances as well.
"It all goes into how you stand, how you sit, whether you can breathe," Slattery says. "That gives you something to occupy yourself that distracts you from being self-conscious, which to my mind is what it's all about."
But there's a downside, too.
"When you're dealing with a project that takes place in another era, there are more chances for us to take people out of the story through inaccuracy," says Vincent Kartheiser, who plays Pete Campbell. He notes the entire crew's dedication to getting the details correct -- down to sweaty armpits for an episode set during a week in 1960 that actually experienced a record-breaking heat wave -- makes his job easier.
Both say working in "Mad Men's" large ensemble had distinct advantages.
"It's a collaborative space," Kartheiser says, "and that allows you, as an actor, to really commit to that moment and make those choices. And because everyone around you is doing that, too, you don't feel like you're left out on a limb."
"To some people, ensembles create a competitive atmosphere where you want to try to outdo somebody," Slattery says. "But to my mind, the better the actor you have opposite you is only going to make the team better."
Slattery originally wanted to play Don Draper but now is very comfortable in Roger's skin.
"I feel like I've grown into it, and the writers see that. If you can deliver for those writers, they like nothing more. If you can take what they write and add something to it, it make their job that much easier."
JOHN SLATTERY
Favorite scene: "Roger's had a heart attack and is in the hospital. The guy has a particular moral code and now he's afraid he's going to die. Then his wife comes in, and he just falls apart. He turns into a little boy who's afraid to die."
What you like most about your character: "I like how complicated he is. I think he's a healthy person despite all of his unhealthy behavior because he sees the situation and pragmatically comes up with a plan of action. Whether it's right or wrong, he dives in, acts and takes the consequences."
TV guilty pleasure: "Project Runway." "I like it because the people are so talented. They have 10 minutes, you give them a piece of cloth, and they make something out of it! What I like is the show is about the creativity, not just, 'Let's vote the biggest asshole off the island.'"
VINCENT KARTHEISER
Favorite scene: "I loved the scene with Pete's mom and dad, and with his in-laws. As much as I love doing the stuff in the office, there's something about getting out on location. They take these bars and turn them into 1960 New York, and it's pretty amazing."
What you like most about your character: "I like Pete's ambition, that he doesn't think before he talks most of the time. And I kind of like his naivete -- he just imagines that something will work the way he plans for it to work, and then he goes about sticking his foot in his mouth. I can really relate to it."
TV guilty pleasure: "Top Chef"
