Tina Fey recently shared some fun memories with Jon Hamm during a conversation for Interview magazine. The two actors, both 54, reminisced about Hamm’s guest appearance on Fey’s hit show "30 Rock." This moment came after he hosted "Saturday Night Live" back in October 2008.
Fey recalled reaching out to "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels to get the scoop on Hamm before casting him. She wanted to know if he was funny and, importantly, if he was easy to work with. “Let me know if he’s funny because we have a part coming up on ‘30 Rock’ that would be great for him,” Fey said, emphasizing the importance of a pleasant working environment.
Hamm, who played Liz Lemon’s charming neighbor Dr. Drew Baird on "30 Rock," agreed that it’s crucial to work with fun people. He noted, “It’s not fun to work with people that aren’t fun.” Fey added, “Life’s too short and the hours are too long,” highlighting the challenges of long filming days.
In their conversation, Hamm shared how he found out about his role while at "SNL." He remembered returning to his dressing room when he received a call from the show, which was unexpected. “I’m in 30 Rock and it’s like, whose phones are these?” he joked. The call was from Robert Carlock, who offered him the role, assuring him it would be a normal doctor character.
Fey humorously pointed out that while Hamm started as a normal doctor, his character ended up with "hooks for hands" by the end of his arc, showcasing the show’s quirky humor.
Since their time on "30 Rock," Fey and Hamm have collaborated on several projects, including "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and the upcoming "Mean Girls" remake. Hamm is currently promoting his new Apple TV+ series "Your Friends and Neighbors," where he plays a hedge fund manager who turns to crime to maintain his lifestyle.
During their chat, Hamm expressed his enjoyment of both drama and comedy, noting that even in serious roles like "Mad Men," there are moments of humor. Their friendly banter and shared experiences highlight the camaraderie that often develops in the entertainment industry.