The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Jon Hamm reflects on working in the porn industry: ‘There were certainly no genitals touched’
‘We shot in these dismal, dingy places in downtown LA,’ he said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jon Hamm has reflected on his time working in the porn industry in the late Nineties.
The star – who went on to become a household name through Mad Men and films such as Bridesmaids and Baby Driver – had struggled as an unemployed actor in his twenties.
As well as being a waiter, he worked in the art department for softcore porn films.
When asked by Dana Carvey and David Spade on their Fly on the Wall podcast if he was a “fluffer” – the person on set employed to keep the male performer’s penis erect – he said: “There were certainly no genitals touched. I was in the art department, believe it or not.”
He continued: “It was softcore porn, Skinemax late night what not, we shot in these dismal, dingy places in downtown LA, these stages…
“It was some dude in a sock and a lady with patches on her whatevers.
“They’d have these ridiculous scenes, like,” – puts on a gruff voice – “’What do you mean you’re lost? Let me give you a ride…’”
Laughing, he added: “I got the job from a girl I went to college with. She was like, ‘I can’t do this anymore, it’s soul crushing.’ And I was like, ‘I’ll do it!’”
Hamm can next be seen in Top Gun: Maverick alongside Tom Cruise and Jennifer Connelly.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments