Christina Hendricks’ Humble Beginnings: From ER to Mad Men Stardom
Before her standout role as Joan Holloway on the hit period drama Mad Men, Christina Hendricks paid her dues with small parts on shows like ER. In an exclusive interview, the now-acclaimed actress looks back fondly on those early gigs that helped pave the way to her big break.
Back in the early 2000s, a young Christina Hendricks landed a pivotal 4-episode arc on ER’s eighth season as Joyce Westlake, a neighbor stuck in an abusive relationship. Showrunner John Wells offered Hendricks the meaty part to test her chops on NBC’s top medical drama. “I remember exactly where I was when I got the call that I was going to be doing four episodes, and I started crying in the car, because I was so happy,” Hendricks tells PEOPLE. “I was so happy, and I was like, ‘This is the big time.'”
While the emotional role proved intense, Hendricks treasured getting to act alongside ER star Maura Tierney. “I think she is extraordinary and exceptional, and I just watched her every move,” gushes Hendricks. “She was so kind to me. I remember asking her acting questions, and she would graciously answer them rather than eye-rolling.” Hendricks vividly recalls one of Tierney’s key pieces of advice: “I really believe that I’m in it. I have to sit there and believe that I’m really in it.”
Even now, Hendricks considers her ER arc a precious experience that bolstered her confidence. But just 5 years later, her career exploded when she landed the career-making part of Joan on Mad Men. The rest is history, as Hendricks has enjoyed acclaim in projects from Drive to Good Girls. However, despite her immense success, the actress confesses she never expected to reach such heights: “I never planned for all this.” From humble hospital corridors to leading lady status, Hendricks has certainly come a long way thanks to hard work, determination, and a little help from veterans like Tierney along the way.
