John Slattery was already a well-respected and prolific stage actor throughout the 1990s, but his journey into screen acting actually began toward the end of the 1980s. At first, John Slattery faced a series of setbacks—several failed TV series, guest appearances, and minor roles in television movies and the occasional feature film. However, persistence paid off. Over time, John Slattery started landing recurring roles on a number of high-profile shows, including “Will and Grace” (NBC, 1998–2006), “Sex and the City” (HBO, 1998–2004), “Ed” (NBC, 2000–04), and later “Desperate Housewives” (ABC, 2004–2012). These performances solidified John Slattery’s reputation as a go-to actor for casting directors looking for someone who could portray sharp, no-nonsense authority figures with just the right edge.
Alongside his small-screen success, John Slattery appeared in several major motion pictures such as “Traffic” (2000), “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006), and “Charlie Wilson’s War” (2007)—roles that quietly built momentum for what would become his breakout performance. Then came “Mad Men” (AMC, 2007–2015), where John Slattery brought to life Roger Sterling, the hard-drinking, chain-smoking, womanizing ad executive with old-school charm and a devil-may-care attitude. It was this role that truly catapulted John Slattery into the spotlight, earning him widespread acclaim and making Roger one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Thanks to the popularity of “Mad Men,” John Slattery’s profile rose significantly. He began receiving more prominent opportunities, including a supporting role in the blockbuster “Iron Man 2” (2010). From steady stage work to scattered early screen gigs, John Slattery’s career steadily climbed, culminating in recognition as both a versatile character actor and a compelling presence on screen.
When it comes to John Slattery’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God from 2012—this happens to be John Slattery’s highest rated movie. It’s a powerful documentary that showcases his depth as a narrator and storyteller, earning widespread praise. On the other end of the spectrum, John Slattery appeared in Bad Company back in 2002, which turned out to be his lowest rated film to date. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. So, if you’re exploring John Slattery’s work, it might be worth starting with his strongest performance and then maybe diving into the lesser-known titles later. John Slattery definitely has a range, but some projects shine brighter than others.