Why Jon Hamm's Career Didn't Mirror George Clooney's Success: An Analysis

Often, discussions about Hollywood success focus on comparisons, especially when considering two notable actors like Jon Hamm from Mad Men and George Clooney from E.R.. Why, despite both being handsome and achieving significant success in their fields, did Jon Hamm not achieve a career trajectory equivalent to Clooney's?

Mad Men vs. E.R.

One of the significant factors lies in the scale and reach of their respective series. ER was a major television series on one of the primary North American television networks, reaching a massive audience. In contrast, Mad Men was a critically acclaimed series on North American basic cable. While ER offered a high-profile and consistent opportunity for actors, Mad Men remained a more niche and critically appreciated show.

Timelines and Head Starts

The timing of their careers also played a crucial role. George Clooney started his acting career in the early 1980s, showcasing a more extended run and steady presence in both television and film. In contrast, Jon Hamm didn't achieve his biggest breakthrough until 2007, eighteen years after Clooney's early success. Clooney essentially had a 20-year "head start" on Hamm in terms of establishing himself in the industry.

Looking Older and Connection Networks

Jon Hamm faced unique challenges during his early years in Hollywood. Due to his youthful appearance, he often struggled to get roles. His clean-cut and slightly older look made it difficult to cast him in certain roles, especially those focusing on youth. In contrast, George Clooney's career began steadily, and he benefited from the connections within the industry. Clooney's aunt, the late entertainer Rosemary Clooney, his cousin Miguel Ferrer, and his father, Nick Clooney, all played roles in his early career, offering support and connection within the industry.

Shrewd Business Skills

A comparison between the business acumen of the two actors also highlights differences. George Clooney has been actively involved in producing and directing since the early 1990s. This involvement has allowed him to not only secure himself acting roles but also to produce and direct films that often benefit him with specific roles. Jon Hamm, while he has diversified his work into various media, has not shown the same level of involvement in production and direction, which has kept him from potentially reaching the level of success Clooney has achieved.

Box Office Success

The financial success of their respective careers also differentiates them. George Clooney has been an A-list film star since 1997, starring in numerous films that have grossed over 200 million at the box office. Meanwhile, Jon Hamm's most successful film was Bridesmaids in 2010, with no film where he was the star that has grossed over 200 million. Clooney's consistent box office success and ability to partner with successful directors and producers have contributed to his overall financial success in Hollywood.

While Jon Hamm has a bright future ahead and could potentially become a bigger box office draw, the significant head start, network connections, and business acumen of George Clooney have placed him far above Hamm in terms of career success.