In the final episode of "Mad Men," Don Draper appears to have come up with the perfect ad for Coca-Cola.
On Sunday, actor Jon Hamm -- who has won raves for his portrayal of the seductive, mysterious Draper for eight years -- finally got his perfect ending when he won his first Emmy, for best actor in a drama.
"It's incredible and impossible for me personally to be standing here," Hamm said after receiving a standing ovation from the audience at the 67th Emmys.
He thanked his co-stars, the AMC cable network, and others before saying: "Thank you to everyone who watched the show."
Hamm, 44, toiled in near-obscurity for years in bit parts on television shows -- and as a waiter to make ends meet -- before his lucky strike with "Mad Men."
His work on the retro-cool hit show about the bed-hopping lives of a group of 1960s advertising men -- and a few women -- in New York has made him an international sex symbol.
With slicked-back dark hair, fitted suits and a deep voice, Hamm created an indelible character -- an anti-hero raised in a brothel who stole a man's identity during the Korean War, and remade himself as a Madison Avenue big shot.
This was his eighth nomination for the role.
"Hamm's interpretation of Don Draper was significant because his own unique look and style made Draper sympathetic and even likable, even though he was a despicable character," said Deborah Jaramillo, an assistant professor of television studies at Boston University.
"Draper was so deeply flawed, but Hamm gave him humanity."
New version of 'cool'
The actor with the piercing green eyes is in real life more relaxed -- and much more of a jokester -- than his alter ego.
He has had four other Emmy acting nominations, all for guest roles in a comedy -- three for appearances on "30 Rock," and one this year for Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" starring Ellie Kemper, who was once his drama student at high school.
He also has made memorable guest appearances on "Saturday Night Live," and done voice work on animated comedy series like "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons."
But, like his alter ego, Hamm has experienced some darker times.
His parents separated when he was just two years old, and he lost his mother to cancer at age 10, followed by his father a decade later. He battled depression in his 20s after the death of his dad.
In a flash of life imitating art, Hamm -- who as Draper is not often without a drink in his hand -- completed a stint in rehab for alcohol abuse earlier this year.
And this month, he split with his partner of 18 years, Jennifer Westfeldt, who directed him in the 2011 film "Friends with Kids."
At the end of his acceptance speech on Sunday, he thanked "Jen" -- a possible nod to his long-time girlfriend.
On the big screen, Hamm made a memorable cameo in 2011 comedy smash "Bridesmaids" and lent his voice to this summer's animated hit "Minions."
He is soon set to feature with "Gone Girl" star Rosamund Pike in the upcoming "High-Wire Act."
But of all his roles, Don Draper is likely to remain Hamm's towering legacy.
"'Mad Men' as a whole made a sizable mark on pop culture, but Hamm's work especially created a new version of 'cool' in the figure of Don Draper," Jaramillo said.
AFP
Mon Sep 21 2015
Jon Hamm accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for -Mad Men- at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. - Photo Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.