Thank you for this nice interview Mr. Cutrona. I was sorry to see your character "go away". The relationship you had with Kiernan spilled over to the story line. You two seemed to have a great connection. Sally and I will miss you! Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

I know it's kinda woo-woo but it might be nice to bring Gene back once or twice down the road in a flashback. They've done it with Don's family. But anyway, nice job Grandpa Gene!

I'd like that, too, AA...more Gene (flashbacks)....I love the way he digs at Don and Don reacts as if to say "Just what exactly does this old fart have on me, I wonder?...."

I like the character of Gene....I know I shouldn't, but there is just something about him that grows on ya!

I had a similar Grandpa (you never knew if he would be in a bad mood or a good mood) and I used to make it a challenge/game to see if I could get him to cheer up (if he was in the bad mood "mode") Usually it worked...!

I was surprised to see Gene go so quickly, but I think the writers can see it in their hearts to have Gene in a few flashbacks (pretty please with sugar on top?). I saw a lot of my own step-father in Gene. A soft heart with a tough outer shell.

Grandpa Gene reminded me of so many dads of friends I have known. I will miss him. And yes I think he should come back in flashbacks. While I agree with Don, there was a head in that helmet, I have been around enough vets to understand they need to talk about the war. Not always pretty but let them talk. I thought it was so painful when Betty closed the door and left Sally on the front porch after the policeman broke the sad news. Why not hug your daughter because you need a family hug after hearing tragic news? I felt Sally's pain. I adored my g-parents.

Great actor but how could it be that he was about Sally's age in 1963? I was born in 1964 and he's a lot (much more than ten years) older than me!!

Gene's character, i missed him before he even died, knew it was coming and i could'nt stop it. The chemistry between Cutrona and Kiernan really was movie /tv magic .

I loved the relationship between Gene and Sally that that only just started taking shape. It's really too bad that Gene is gone now - I really hope they bring him back several times. Not only the wonderful interaction between him and Sally (children are always more forgiving than adults) but I liked watching the interaction between Gene and his daughter. He looked like he was the clearheaded one each time they conversed. He really pulled off leaving me thinking that he had a history with her! Grumpy, cantankerous, but with heart, I'll miss that guy. He really added something to the show. Maybe the producers will bring him back often. He added real color to an otherwise drab 1960s household. Bravo Cutrona!

ryan cutrona was born in 1949, sally,my guess 1954 [same as i] so he was 14 in 1963. gene was born in 1895 [ i don't know were i saw that] old enough to have fought in ww1. so mr c was playing 8yrs older.

Ryan Cutrona did a most admirable job playing Gene. I particularly enjoyed the dynamics between him and the grandchildren in his final episode. The relationship shared among Gene, Bobby and Sally will never be replicated, especially with Bobby and Sally's distracted parents.

Bravo, Mr. Cutrona. Let's see more of you!

I think the one question that wasn't asked is if Ryan has been approched for a John McCain movie, he's a dead ringer!

I used 1895 as a pure guess in another post. I thought the actor was older, I don't know if he is using make up, but here really looks like he is close to 70, that why others have said that he is ringer for John McCain, who is about 71.
I really liked the cut scene right before the commercial break when he pull the small fan out of the box as says "there was this girl....." and then cut to commercial, great scene.

" I should have gotten another medal for beating the clap" another great Gene line, it's a shame the killed him off, he was really starting to grow on me.

Ryan Cutrona did a great job playing Gene Hofstadt. Everyone knew his death was coming but like a lot fans, I was hoping he would have more time with Sally (Kierman Shipka) & Bobby (Jared S. Gilmore). Plus I liked the idea of two very young actors working a veteran actor.

adman

i think your guess as to gene age has to be pretty close. usa got into ww1 1916 or 17. so 1895 sounds reasonable.

I second the bravos' above. A great acting job, Mr. Cutrona. To me, you made come alive one of the most realistic and believable characters on the show. Even your "business" (eg., that bit you did with the finger snap to describe the road trip in the Lincoln) was spot on. You were a joy to watch--fascinating and never predictable -- you did the writers' proud. While portraying an "elderly" person with periods of dementia, you managed to make the character always dignified and interesting, and never pathetic. In my opinion, that's Emmy-material.

Wonderful work, Mr. Cutrona. Bravo!

Gene seemed the most real character on the show. Scary real. Sadly he reminds me of my father, but without the dementia, and any of the respect shown to and bonding with Sally.

I loved your work on Mad Men - you were fantastic - a fully realized character. I was so bummed to see you go last week. I think you could've added so much in Don's issues with family. I hope they bring you back in flashbacks. You felt very real - the relationship with the grandchildren didn't seem like acting - it was as if we were looking inside a real family.

I thought Gene was loving - strict and a man of his generation - but loving.

You were terrific. I think I remember you from West Wing too...

Cutrona did a FANTASTIC job as Gene, Betty's dad. My biggest regret is that his dynamic in the family wasn't teased out for a few more episodes. I think he nailed a man from that era perfectly. Although I'm from a little later in the decade, he reminded me a lot of one of my Grandpa's, what with the driving, curt mannerisms, and commanding way of spending time which was his way of bonding. Think of the times he had Sally read to him. That's the only way men of that era related to people, well at least children. Cutrona and Shipka were great to watch together!

I was sad to see Gene go because I was enjoying him and his relationship with the grandkids so much. Mr. Cutrona did a fantastic job of capturing the hard-nosed military man and gruff grandfather. His interactions with Sally reminded me so much of my own grandfather - the 'driving lessons', the dirty jokes, the interesting stories. I think I'll miss him almost as much as Sally!