Q&A - Kiernan Shipka (Sally Draper)
In past seasons, Sally Draper has puffed on cigarettes and mixed cocktails. This season, she steals money and drives a car. Kiernan Shipka talks about what it's like to play the oldest child in the Draper household.
Q: You're back for a third season. Is it easier to play Sally now that you have so much experience?
A: I think throughout the years, I got to know Sally better. All in all, it's been great to play her.
Q: Does it ever surprise you what Sally gets to do?
A: It's so well written and Matthew Weiner is such a brilliant writer. You know, you're not surprised with how brilliant he is because he's done it so many times, but you're surprised with what he writes for you. Every week, at the table read, it's wow.
Q: There's been a lot going on for Sally already this season. What's it like working with Ryan Cutrona (Grandpa Gene)?
A: It was amazing to work with him. He's so nice. We had worked a tiny bit together before, but not much. At the beginning of the season, we chatted a lot off set. It was easy to connect with him because we became very good friends.
Q: So was that you behind the wheel of Gene's car?
A: No. [Laughs]
Q: How do you spend your time on the set between your scenes?
A: It's different every time. So time I'll go back to basecamp and chat with people. Sometimes you'll just go off the Draper home, but still be on the set and chat with everybody.
Q: 1963 is a pretty big year in American history. Have you studied it in school, or are you brushing on what's going?
A: My mom tells me a lot about the '60s. I studied a little bit of that in school. And chatting with some of my mom's friends, I've learned a lot too.
Q: What parts of Sally are most like you?
A: I do do lots of ballet like Sally. It's always fun when I do ballet on the show. I had never done the maypole but that was so fun to do. The kids were nice. And the choreography was beautiful.
Q: What do you like best about being Sally?
A: Everything is fun about Sally. She's such an adventurous girl.
Q: Do you have plans for Emmy night? Will you be going, or staying up to watch?
A: I don't really know right now!
Read an interview with Kiernan Shipka for Season 2 ยป
Kiernan, you are a remarkable young lady! I've enjoyed all of your "Sally" moments. Wishing you the best as you continue in Mad Men...it wouldn't be the same without you!
What a wonderful young lady and a brilliant little actress!!! I really hope we see Kiki performing for many years to come!
Goodness, this youngster interviews like an adult! I believe I detect a genius IQ here?!?
I foresee an Emmy nomination or a Golden Globe nomination for supporting actress...and a successful acting career for this lovely young lady.
She developed a relationship with Rian Cutrona and that's how she was able to do that fantastic scene with Granpa Gene. It was incredible!
She's so cute! And very good actress, also.
Love your work, Kiernan!
I've enjoyed watching Sally from the first show of the first season of Mad Men. May we get to see her as a teen! Keep up the great work, Kiernan.
You are an amazing actress, Kiernan! I have enjoyed your work since season one. This season, your character "Sally" has really made herself known. I can totally relate to "Sally." Your acting is so genuine and real - you are a total pleasure to watch. I look forward to seeing you throughout the entire series (hopefully many seasons to come)!
Kiernan, you are terrific. You have captivated so many.
Kiernan, you made me cry! Seeing you react to the news about Gene's death. . . you're such a wonderful, little actress. I just re-read Jack Nicholson's interview with January Jones, which said that Don Draper could just be a red herring and that Betty could be the real main character. But I think Sally has the potential to steal the show.
Darlin girl
You have done a superb job of bringing Sally into our hearts. Your work w/ Grandpa Gene was heartfelt and genuine.. All of us MMaddicts think you are terrific and we want very much to see your role expanded...Sally seems to be the one character who truly connects with Don and that can only mean that you will have an even richer acting experience in future seasons..
You've already shown that you are ready for the challenge!! Congrats and warm wishes...
p.s. If you work it rite, I see a red Mustang convertible in Sally's future, say spring of '65....
Okay? Was that a little girl or a 40 year old woman. This little girl is too smart. I couldn't hold a conversation like that if I tried. I like that she takes her craft seriously.
Kiernan it has always been a pleasure seeing you as Sally!
In the first season the Draper children were little more than stand-in props. It is so much fun to see Sally's character develop and Kiernan does a WONDERFUL job as Sally - the quintessential girl from that era! This girl has some serious acting chops - I loved her intonation and vocabulary as she was reading "Rise & Fall of Rome" to her Grandpa Gene. Great job Kiernan and MM writers!