John Slattery is an American actor and director who rose to fame for his portrayal of Roger Sterling Jr. in the acclaimed AMC drama series Mad Men. He has also appeared in several films, such as Spotlight, Iron Man 2, and Ant-Man, and directed his own feature film, God’s Pocket. In this article, we will take a look at some of the facts and details about his life and career.

Field | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | John M. Slattery Jr. |
Profession | Actor and director |
Birthday | August 13, 1962 |
Birth Place | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Birth Sign | Leo |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
Age | 61 years old (as of 2023) |
Family Members | Talia Balsam (wife), Harry Slattery (son), Joan Slattery (mother), John “Jack” Slattery (father), five siblings |
Net Worth | $10 million (as of 2020) |
Nationality | American |
Movies | Some of his notable movies are: City Hall (1996),Iron Man 2 (2010)The Adjustment Bureau (2011)Spotlight (2015),Ant-Man (2015),Captain America: Civil War (2016),Avengers: Endgame (2019),Confess, Fletch (2022) |
Table of Contents
Where was John Slattery born?
John Slattery was born on August 13, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He is the son of Joan (née Mulhern), a retired accountant, and John “Jack” Slattery, a leather merchant, both of Irish descent. He is one of six children in his family.
How was John Slattery’s early life?
John Slattery grew up in Boston, where he developed a passion for baseball as a young boy. He attended Saint Sebastian’s School, a Catholic all-boys school in Newton, Massachusetts (later relocated to Needham, Massachusetts). He was involved in various sports and extracurricular activities, such as football, basketball, hockey, and drama. He also played guitar and sang in a band with his friends.
Where did John Slattery receive his education?
John Slattery received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1984. He studied theater and acting under the guidance of professors such as Father Gilbert Hartke and Robert Moore.
What is the distinctive feature of John Slattery?
One of the most distinctive features of John Slattery is his gray/silver hair, which he started to develop when he was in his twenties. He has embraced his natural hair color and has never dyed it for any of his roles. He has said that his gray hair has helped him to stand out from other actors and to land more mature and sophisticated roles. He has also joked that his hair color makes him look like a “distinguished gentleman” or a “silver fox”.
How did John Slattery begin his career?
John Slattery began his career as a stage actor in New York City in the late 1980s. He made his theater debut in 1989 in The Lisbon Traviata, a play by Terrence McNally that also starred Nathan Lane. He then appeared in several off-Broadway and Broadway plays, such as The Extra Man, Night and Her Stars, Three Days of Rain, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and Betrayal. He received critical acclaim for his performances and earned several nominations and awards from various theater organizations.
John Slattery also ventured into television and film acting in the late 1980s. He landed his first TV gig on the 1988 series The Dirty Dozen and has worked steadily since then. His television career has included the short-lived series Under Cover, Homefront, Maggie, and Feds; and the miniseries A Woman of Independent Means and From the Earth to the Moon. He has also had recurring roles on popular shows such as Will & Grace, Judging Amy, Sex and the City, Ed, Desperate Housewives, 30 Rock, Arrested Development, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, Veep, Modern Love, Mrs. America, The Good Fight, and neXt. He is best known for his role as Roger Sterling Jr., the charismatic and witty advertising executive on the AMC drama series Mad Men (2007-2015), for which he was nominated four times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and won two Critics’ Choice Television Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
John Slattery made his feature film debut in 1996 with a small role in the movie City Hall. He then appeared in several movies such as Eraser, Where’s Marlowe?, Traffic, Bad Company, Mona Lisa Smile, Flags of Our Fathers, Reservation Road, Charlie Wilson’s War, Iron Man 2, The Adjustment Bureau, Spotlight, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Endgame, and Confess, Fletch.
What are the achievements of John Slattery?
John Slattery is an American actor and director who has achieved many accolades and recognition for his work in television, film, and theater. Some of his most notable achievements are:
- He was nominated four times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Roger Sterling Jr. in the AMC drama series Mad Men (2007-2015). He also won two Critics’ Choice Television Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble cast of the show.
- He portrayed Ben Bradlee Jr., the deputy managing editor of The Boston Globe, in the Best Picture-winning film Spotlight (2015), which depicted the investigation of the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and three BAFTA Awards.
- He played Howard Stark, the father of Tony Stark/Iron Man, in four Marvel Cinematic Universe films: Iron Man 2 (2010), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). He also voiced the character in the animated series What If…? (2021). His performance as the charismatic and inventive businessman was well-received by fans and critics.
- He made his directorial film debut with God’s Pocket (2014), which was based on a novel by Pete Dexter and starred Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christina Hendricks, and Richard Jenkins. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received mixed reviews from critics.
- He is a Fellow at The Royal Aeronautical Society, President Emeritus of The Wings Club Foundation, and Director Emeritus of ORBIS International. He also sits on the boards of directors of Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. He is an avid supporter of aviation and aerospace education and philanthropy.
- He received an honorary doctorate in Economic Science from the University of Limerick in November 2021, where he is also an adjunct professor at the Kemmy Business School. He graduated from the university with an MBA in 1988 and has maintained a close connection .
Who is John Slattery married to?
John Slattery is married to Talia Balsam, who is also a television and film actress. They tied the knot on December 30, 1998, in Kauai, Hawaii. They have one son together, Harry Slattery, who was born in 1999.
Talia Balsam is best known for her roles as Mona Sterling, the first wife of Roger Sterling Jr., on Mad Men; Dallas Holt, the best friend of Frances Dufresne, on Divorce; Ann Rosenthal, the wife of Roger Ailes, on The Loudest Voice; and Cynthia Walden, the Vice President of the United States, on Homeland. She has also appeared in several films, such as No Strings Attached (2011), Little Men (2016), and South Mountain (2019).
John Slattery and Talia Balsam have worked together on several projects, such as Mad Men, God’s Pocket, Divorce, Modern Love, and Confess, Fletch. They have said that they enjoy working together and that they have a strong bond based on mutual respect and independence. They also share a passion for surfing and skiing.

Is John Slattery socially active?
John Slattery is not very active on social media platforms. He does not have an official account on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other popular site. He has said that he prefers to keep his personal life private and that he does not feel comfortable sharing too much information online. He has also expressed his concern about the negative effects of social media on mental health and society.
However, John Slattery does occasionally appear on social media posts by his friends, colleagues, fans, or organizations that he supports. For example, he has been featured on posts by his wife Talia Balsam (@taliabalsam), his co-star Jon Hamm (@jonhammofficial), his friend Stephen Colbert (@stephenathome), his alma mater University of Limerick (@ul_ireland), and his charity ORBIS International (@orbisintl). He has also participated in some online events and interviews, such as the National Memorial Day Concert (@MemorialDayPBS), the Mad Men reunion (@StarsInTheHouse), and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations (@sagaftraFOUND).
What is the net worth of John Slattery?
John Slattery has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2020, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He is one of the highest-paid actors in the television industry, earning around $150,000 per episode of Mad Men. He has also earned a substantial amount of money from his film roles, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he reportedly received a percentage of the box office profits. He has also directed and produced some films and television shows, which have added to his income.
John Slattery lives a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle with his family. He owns a penthouse apartment in SoHo, New York City, which he bought for $4.6 million in 2013. The apartment has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fireplace, a terrace, and a rooftop garden. He also owns a house in Los Angeles, California, which he bought for $1.6 million in 2009. The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a pool, a spa, and a guest house. He also owns several cars, such as a Mercedes-Benz, a Range Rover, and an Audi.

John Slattery is also a generous and philanthropic person who supports various causes and charities. He is a board member and ambassador of ORBIS International, a non-profit organization that works to prevent and treat blindness around the world. He has traveled to several countries with ORBIS, such as Vietnam, Peru, Ethiopia, and India, to witness their work and raise awareness and funds. He has also donated his time and money to other organizations, such as The Actors Fund, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and The Innocence Project.
What are the movies John Slattery has worked in?
John Slattery has worked in over 40 movies since his debut in 1996. He has played various roles in different genres of films, such as drama, comedy, thriller, action, sci-fi, and biopic. Some of his most notable movies are:
- City Hall (1996): His first feature film role was as Detective George Greenberg in this political thriller starring Al Pacino and John Cusack .
- Traffic (2000): He played ADA Dan Collier in this crime drama that explored the illegal drug trade from multiple perspectives. The film won four Academy Awards and was praised for its ensemble cast.
- Iron Man 2 (2010): He made his first appearance as Howard Stark , the father of Tony Stark/Iron Man , in this superhero sequel based on the Marvel Comics character. He reprised his role in three more Marvel films: Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
- The Adjustment Bureau (2011): He played Richardson , a mysterious agent who works for a secret organization that controls human fate , in this sci-fi romance based on a short story by Philip K. Dick .
- Spotlight (2015): He portrayed Ben Bradlee Jr. , the deputy managing editor of The Boston Globe , in this biographical drama that depicted the investigation of the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church . The film won two Academy Awards , including Best Picture , and received critical acclaim for its screenplay and performances.
- Churchill (2017): He played Dwight D. Eisenhower , the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II , in this historical drama that focused on Winston Churchill ‘s role in the D-Day invasion .
- Confess, Fletch (2022): He starred as Frank Jaffe , a corrupt police chief who is involved in a murder case , in this comedy mystery based on the novel by Gregory Mcdonald . He also directed and co-wrote the film with his wife Talia Balsam .
Other movies that John Slattery has worked in include Eraser (1996), Where’s Marlowe? (1998), Bad Company (2002), Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Reservation Road (2007).
What are the famous roles played by John Slattery?
John Slattery is an American actor and director who has played many famous roles in television, film, and theater. Some of his most famous roles are:
- Roger Sterling Jr. in Mad Men: This is perhaps his most iconic role, as he portrayed the charismatic, witty, and womanizing partner of the Sterling Cooper advertising agency in the AMC drama series that ran from 2007 to 2015. He received four Primetime Emmy nominations and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards for his performance.
- Howard Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: He played the father of Tony Stark/Iron Man, a brilliant and influential businessman and inventor who founded Stark Industries and co-created the super-soldier serum that gave Captain America his powers. He appeared in four Marvel films: Iron Man 2 (2010), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016).
- Ben Bradlee Jr. in Spotlight: He portrayed the deputy managing editor of The Boston Globe who oversaw the investigative team that exposed the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church in Boston and beyond. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and received critical acclaim for its screenplay and performance.
- Frank Jaffe in Confess, Fletch: He starred as a corrupt police chief who is involved in a murder case that implicates Fletch, a journalist played by Jon Hamm. He also directed and co-wrote the film with his wife Talia Balsam. The film is based on the novel by Gregory Mcdonald and is a sequel to the 1985 comedy Fletch starring Chevy Chase.
- Victor Lang in Desperate Housewives: He played the second husband of Gabrielle Solis, a former model turned housewife played by Eva Longoria. He was a wealthy politician who had a tumultuous relationship with Gabrielle and met a tragic end in season four of the ABC comedy-drama series.
Which brands does John Slattery endorse?
John Slattery is not very active on social media platforms and does not seem to endorse many brands or products. However, he has appeared in some commercials and campaigns for various brands, such as:
- Lincoln: He narrated several ads for the luxury car brand, highlighting its features and benefits. He also appeared in one ad as himself, driving a Lincoln MKX and talking about his career and life choices.
- Duracell: He partnered with the battery brand to raise awareness of May as National Better Hearing Month and to promote its Stay Connected program, which provides free hearing tests and batteries for hearing aids to people in need. He also shared his personal story of having hearing loss and wearing hearing aids.
- Embraer: He was a spokesperson for the Brazilian aerospace company, which produces commercial, executive, military, and agricultural aircraft. He appeared in several videos showcasing the company’s products and innovations, such as the E-Jets E2 family, the Phenom 300E, and the Legacy 500.
- Goldline International: He appeared in a faux commercial for the gold investment company on The Colbert Report in 2009, parodying his Mad Men character Roger Sterling. He promoted buying gold as a hedge against inflation and economic collapse, while making sarcastic remarks about his personal life and career.
What are the viral stories of John Slattery?
John Slattery has been involved in some viral stories that have generated buzz and attention from fans and media outlets. Some of these stories are:
- Mad Men reunion with Jon Hamm: In August 2021, Slattery met up with his Mad Men co-star Jon Hamm in The Hamptons, where they were seen sitting on a bench and chatting with their dogs in tow. The photo of their encounter went viral on social media, as fans expressed their excitement and nostalgia over seeing the two actors together again after six years since the show ended. Some fans also commented on their casual outfits and dad vibes, contrasting them with their sharp suits and slick hairstyles on Mad Men.
- Law & Order audition with Mariska Hargitay: In February 2021, Slattery revealed that he had auditioned for the role of Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit alongside Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson on the show. However, he mistakenly thought he was auditioning with John Slattery, another actor who had appeared on Sex and the City. He said that when he walked in, Hargitay turned around and said, “Slattery!” and he replied, “No, Meloni!” He also said that they had an instant connection and chemistry, but he did not get the part, which went to Christopher Meloni.
- Me Too movement support: In October 2017, Slattery expressed his support for the Me Too movement, which aimed to expose and combat sexual harassment and assault in various industries, especially Hollywood. He said that he was “shocked and saddened” by the allegations against Harvey Weinstein and other powerful men, and that he hoped that the movement would lead to “real change” and “accountability”. He also praised his Spotlight co-star Rachel McAdams, who was one of the first actresses to speak out against Weinstein.
What are the scandals of John Slattery?
John Slattery has not been involved in any major scandals or controversies that have tarnished his reputation or career. However, he has faced some criticism and backlash for some of his comments and actions, such as:
- Golden shower joke on Sex and the City: In 2000, Slattery played Bill Kelley, a politician who dated Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City. In one episode, he asked Carrie to urinate on him during sex, which she refused. The scene sparked outrage and disgust from some viewers and critics, who found it offensive and vulgar. Slattery defended his role and said that he thought it was funny and daring. He also said that he received positive feedback from some fans who appreciated his performance.
- Blackface episode on Mad Men: In 2012, Slattery directed an episode of Mad Men titled “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword”, which featured a scene where Roger Sterling wore blackface and sang “My Old Kentucky Home” at a party. The scene was intended to show Roger’s ignorance and racism, but it also drew criticism and controversy from some viewers and commentators, who found it insensitive and unnecessary. Slattery said that he was aware of the potential backlash, but he also said that he wanted to portray the reality of the era and the character. He also said that he consulted with the show’s creator Matthew Weiner and the actor who played Roger before filming .
- Inelegant exit from GE Aviation: In June 2022, Slattery stepped down as the CEO of GE Aviation after only two years in the position. He was replaced by GE’s CEO Larry Culp, who took over the reins of the world’s largest jet-engine maker amid a crisis in the aviation industry caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Slattery moved to the role of chief commercial officer of GE Aviation, which some analysts saw as a demotion. Slattery said that he was proud of his achievements at GE Aviation, but he also admitted that his exit was “inelegant” and that he had some disagreements with Culp over the strategy and direction of the business.
Famous legal cases of John Slattery
John Slattery has not been involved in any famous legal cases as a plaintiff or a defendant. However, he has been associated with some legal cases as a witness or a participant, such as:
- Cushman & Wakefield lawsuit: In June 2020, Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate services company, filed a lawsuit against John Slattery Jr., a former executive vice president of the company, and his new firm Slattery Advisors. The lawsuit alleged that Slattery Jr. breached his contract and fiduciary duties by soliciting Cushman & Wakefield’s clients and employees for his own benefit. The lawsuit also claimed that Slattery Jr. used confidential information and trade secrets from Cushman & Wakefield to compete unfairly with them. John Slattery Sr., the father of John Slattery Jr., was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, as he allegedly helped his son establish his new firm. John Slattery Sr. is not related to John Slattery, the actor.
FAQs about John Slattery:

Q: Who is John Slattery?
A: John Slattery is an American actor and director who is best known for his role as Roger Sterling Jr. in the AMC drama series Mad Men. He has also appeared in several films, such as Spotlight, Iron Man 2, and Ant-Man, and directed his own feature film, God’s Pocket.
Q: How old is John Slattery?
A: John Slattery was born on August 13, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He is 61 years old as of 2023.
Q: What is John Slattery’s net worth?
$10 million (as of 2020)
Q: What are John Slattery’s famous roles?
A: John Slattery has played many famous roles in television, film, and theater. Some of his most famous roles are:
Roger Sterling Jr. in Mad Men: This is perhaps his most iconic role, as he portrayed the charismatic, witty, and womanizing partner of the Sterling Cooper advertising agency in the AMC drama series that ran from 2007 to 2015. He received four Primetime Emmy nominations and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards for his performance. He also directed five episodes of the show.
Howard Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: He played the father of Tony Stark/Iron Man, a brilliant and influential businessman and inventor who founded Stark Industries and co-created the super-soldier serum that gave Captain America his powers. He appeared in four Marvel films: Iron Man 2 (2010), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). He also voiced the character in the animated series What If…? (2021).
Ben Bradlee Jr. in Spotlight: He portrayed the deputy managing editor of The Boston Globe who oversaw the investigative team that exposed the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church in Boston and beyond. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and received critical acclaim for its screenplay and performances.
Frank Jaffe in Confess, Fletch: He starred as a corrupt police chief who is involved in a murder case that implicates Fletch, a journalist played by Jon Hamm. He also directed and co-wrote the film with his wife Talia Balsam. The film is based on the novel by Gregory Mcdonald and is a sequel to the 1985 comedy Fletch starring Chevy Chase.
Q: Who is John Slattery married to?
A: John Slattery is married to Talia Balsam, who is also a television and film actress. They tied the knot on December 30, 1998, in Kauai, Hawaii. They have one son together, Harry Slattery, who was born in 1999.
Q: What are John Slattery’s hobbies and interests?
A: John Slattery has various hobbies and interests that he enjoys in his spare time. Some of them are:
Surfing and skiing: He loves to surf and ski with his family and friends. He has said that surfing is his favorite sport and that he learned it from his son Harry when he was six years old. He has also said that skiing is a great way to relax and have fun with his wife Talia.
Aviation and aerospace: He is fascinated by aviation and aerospace technology and innovation. He is a Fellow at The Royal Aeronautical Society, President Emeritus of The Wings Club Foundation, and Director Emeritus of ORBIS International. He also sits on the boards of directors of Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. He is an avid supporter of aviation and aerospace education and philanthropy.
Music and guitar: He likes to listen to music and play guitar in his free time. He has said that he grew up listening to classic rock and roll bands, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. He has also said that he played guitar and sang in a band with his friends when he was in high school.
Q: What are John Slattery’s awards and nominations?
A: John Slattery has received many awards and nominations for his work in television, film, and theater. Some of his most notable awards and nominations are:
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: He was nominated four times for his role as Roger Sterling Jr. in Mad Men (2008, 2010, 2013, 2014).
Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: He won twice for his role as Roger Sterling Jr. in Mad Men (2011, 2012).
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: He won twice as part of the cast of Mad Men (2009, 2010).
Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama: He was part of the cast of Spotlight (2015), which won the award.
Academy Award for Best Picture: He was part of the cast of Spotlight (2015), which won the award.
Q: What are John Slattery’s upcoming projects?
A: John Slattery has some upcoming projects that are expected to be released in the near future. Some of them are:
Confess, Fletch: He stars as Frank Jaffe, a corrupt police chief who is involved in a murder case that implicates Fletch, a journalist played by Jon Hamm. He also directed and co-wrote the film with his wife Talia Balsam. The film is based on the novel by Gregory Mcdonald and is a sequel to the 1985 comedy Fletch starring Chevy Chase. The film is scheduled to be released on April 22, 2022.
The Good Fight: He plays Jonathan Caine, a lawyer who represents Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) in a defamation lawsuit against her former law firm. He appears in the fifth season of the CBS All Access legal drama series, which premiered on June 24, 2021.
What If…?: He voices Howard Stark, the father of Tony Stark/Iron Man, in the animated series that explores alternate scenarios in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series is streaming on Disney+ since August 11, 2021.
Q: How tall is John Slattery?
A: John Slattery is 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) tall.
Q: Does John Slattery have any siblings?
A: John Slattery has five siblings: three sisters and two brothers. Their names are Marybeth Slattery, Susan Slattery, Brian Slattery, Kevin Slattery, and Tom Slattery.
Q: Where does John Slattery live?
A: John Slattery lives in New York City with his wife Talia Balsam and their son Harry Slattery. He owns a penthouse apartment in SoHo, which he bought for $4.6 million in 2013. The apartment has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fireplace, a terrace, and a rooftop garden. He also owns a house in Los Angeles, California, which he bought for $1.6 million in 2009. The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a pool, a spa, and a guest house.
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