John Slattery

John Slattery plays Roger Sterling in Mad Men. Roger makes a beautifully timed remark look like the smallest possible expenditure of effort. Slattery's delivery is a major source of the show's humour, although the jokes can also reveal how quickly Roger wants to get away from a serious subject.

The role brought four Emmy nominations, and Slattery also directed episodes of the series. He moved into feature directing with God's Pocket and later directed Maggie Moore(s), starring his Mad Men colleague Jon Hamm.

As an actor, his films include The Station Agent and Spotlight, where he plays editor Ben Bradlee Jr. He also portrays Howard Stark in several Marvel films. His television work ranges from Walter Mondale in From the Earth to the Moon to a guest appearance in 30 Rock.

Roger could have been a collection of one-liners in an expensive suit. Slattery makes him very funny, then finds the vanity and uncertainty that stop the character becoming merely decorative. He is especially good opposite Hamm: Roger and Don can appear completely relaxed together while conducting a small contest neither man has acknowledged.