Actress Christina Hendricks graced the season 7 premiere of “Mad Men” at ArcLight Cinemas on April 2, 2014, in Hollywood, California, exuding charm and grace.
The character Joan, portrayed by Christina Hendricks on “Mad Men,” stands out as a powerful and beloved female figure on television, within one of the most esteemed shows on the small screen.
However, the journey to this revered status was not smooth sailing, particularly during the initial stages when the actress accepted the role.
In an interview with the Guardian, Hendricks revealed that she and her manager were enamored with the character upon first glance, but her agency held a contrasting view.
Dismissing the potential success of the show, they asserted, “‘It's a period piece, it's never going to go anywhere.
We need you to make money and this isn't going to make money.'”
Consequently, they made the decision to part ways with her.
Nevertheless, Hendricks remained undeterred by this setback, firmly determined to pursue the role that had captured her heart.
Reflecting on the past, Hendricks reminisced about her mother's reaction to the pilot of “Mad Men” back in 2007.
Seeking approval, she inquired, “‘Is it good?'
And they both said, ‘Oh yeah, it's good.'
I said, ‘Is it boring?'
and my mother replied, ‘No, but I didn't like that he [Don Draper] was cheating on his wife at the end.'”
Fast forward eight years, Hendricks has not only established herself on the show but has also ventured into films such as “God's Pocket” alongside the late Philip Seymour Hoffman and “Dark Places” featuring Charlize Theron.
It appears that the agency's skepticism towards the potential of “Mad Men” was proven wrong in light of Hendricks' successful journey on the show.
