Why John Slattery Was Credited As ‘Special Guest’ In Mad Men Season 1

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A surprisingly well-known actor from Mad Men is listed as making a “Special Guest Appearance” in the show’s first season. Now, you can stream the acclaimed, Emmy-winning series created by Matthew Weiner on HBO Max in 4K, allowing viewers to experience Mad Men with all its imperfections.

The first episode of Mad Men was surprisingly polished, requiring only a few small changes after AMC ordered the first season. Created by Matthew Weiner, the show offered a compelling look at the world of advertising in the 1960s, centered around the charismatic and mysterious Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the Creative Director at Sterling Cooper, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

I remember when Roger Sterling, played by John Slattery, showed up right away in the first episode of Mad Men. He’s this big shot at the agency, always hyping Don Draper’s brilliance to clients like Lucky Strike. But it always struck me as odd – Slattery wasn’t given top billing in the first season, even though Roger is clearly a major player in the show, according to Matthew Weiner’s vision.

The Reason John Slattery Was Credited As “Special Guest Appearance” In Mad Men Season 1

John Slattery was initially only listed as a “Special Guest Appearance” in the first season of Mad Men because he wasn’t sure the show would be a hit on AMC. As he explained to the Los Angeles Times in a 2013 interview with Matthew Weiner, Slattery was hesitant to fully commit to the series at the beginning.

He remembers being hesitant at first, because he’d been promised a lot on previous projects that didn’t pan out. But Matt assured him this role would be a good one, and that was enough to convince him. Matt has definitely delivered on that promise; the role has been everything he said it would be.

Before becoming known for original shows, AMC was a cable channel primarily showing old movies. When HBO and Showtime decided not to pursue a period drama set in the 1960s, AMC took a chance on Mad Men, but it wasn’t a guaranteed success. In fact, John Slattery, one of the show’s stars, made sure his contract allowed him to leave if the series didn’t work out.

In the first season of Mad Men, the character Roger Sterling was written out of three episodes with a storyline involving a heart attack. The writers considered killing off his character, but the show became popular with both critics and viewers, so they kept him around.

I always loved John Slattery as Roger Sterling on Mad Men, and it was fun seeing him initially credited as a ‘Special Guest Appearance’ in the first season! He quickly became a core part of the show, rightfully billed as a series regular. It’s no surprise he won two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and I was so impressed to learn he also directed some episodes. Roger Sterling really became a fan favorite, and Slattery’s performance was a huge reason why.

Roger Sterling Was Crucial To Mad Men

John Slattery’s portrayal of Roger Sterling is essential to the success of Mad Men. With perfect comedic timing and a dry wit, he consistently delivered the show’s most humorous – and often controversial – lines.

Roger Sterling was a charming character, even though he acted terribly by today’s standards. He struggled with alcohol and had many affairs, leaving his wife, Mona, to marry Don Draper’s much younger secretary, Jane. One of his most problematic actions was appearing in blackface during the third season of Mad Men.

As a critic, I’ve always seen Roger Sterling as the ultimate ad man of the ’60s, a real mentor to Don Draper. He was the archetype. Roger was a master of charm, able to talk his way into – and out of – anything, usually with a drink in hand. He was incredibly skilled at navigating the business, even if it meant bending the truth – like when he covered up the loss of Lucky Strike, their biggest account. He could get away with almost anything, it seemed!

John Slattery’s performance as Roger Sterling was essential to the success and lasting impact of Mad Men. From the very first season, it was obvious that Roger Sterling was a key character, far beyond just a brief appearance, despite how the opening credits initially presented him.

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2025-12-08 14:59