Q&A - Aaron Staton (Ken Cosgrove)

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The actor behind Sterling Cooper's Senior Vice President of Account Services speaks to AMCtv.com about competition on the set then narrates a typical day on the set.

Q: Pete and Ken compete for Head of Accounts the entire season. Are there any off-set competitions in the cast?

A: I feel very competitive with Robert Morse off-set. We often duke it out. He always wins. I used to be more competitive. Sure, I like to win when I play basketball or board games or video games, but my day isn't ruined if I lose. I'm always up for a rematch. In all seriousness, that's something that's nice about maturing. When I was right out of college, I felt competitive with some of the guys in my class over career stuff. It's funny now to think about it -- that a friend getting a job or something had anything to do with me... I think that my relationship with my wife has played a pivotal role in the chilling out of Aaron.

Q: In spite of all the drama at Sterling Cooper, Ken seems to take everything in stride. Is there anything from this season that would've shocked you in real life?

A: If I had been made co-head of accounts I would have been shocked! Or if someone gave me a snake and told me I was moving to Bombay. I'd certainly be surprised to see someone's foot run over by a lawnmower.

Q: What's your favorite Ken moment this season?

A: I loved working on the stuff with Vincent [Kartheiser] from Episode 1. The scene in the elevator where Ken and Pete are being so magnanimous with each other was hilarious to read and a blast to rehearse and shoot.

Q: Describe a typical day on the set.

A: Arrive. Eat. Shave. Talk. Makeup on. Hair slicked. Suit on. Tie tied. Tie re-tied. Tie re-tied again. Wait. Talk. Snack. Rehearse. Wait. Act. Wait. Act again. Wait. Lunch. Wait. Rehearse. Wait. Act. Wait. Snack. Act. Tie untied. Suit off. Makeup off. Hair rinsed. Leave. Hope I did a good job.

Q: Your character is associated with accessories: A lighter, a watch... Anything you'd want to steal from the set?

A: The backdrop. We've been dying to make a trip to New York. Or maybe the watch. But it doesn't work.

Click here to read Aaron Staton's interview from Season 2 »
Click here to read Aaron Staton's interview from Season 1 »



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Filed under: Exclusive Interviews

Comments

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Sounds like you do a lot of waiting, Aaron!

I thought that was standard for movie sets, but I see it's standard for any type of filming of any type of "show"

And don't worry....you are definitely doing a "good job", in my opinion. Loved the exchange of "looks" between you and VK after Pete got his job title changed ~~ his look of disdain/anger and your look of "apology".... poor Ken....even when he "wins", he gets a dirty look! (but, what else would we expect from pouty ol' Pete!?)

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Your character is my favorite of the Sterling Cooper "boys". I hope they (MW and the writers) will give you more to do next season. Would love to see you have a love affair....I hear Betty Draper may be available soon.....

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Who was the brunette (supposedly your date) sitting next to you at Roger's daughter's wedding? Is it the same person you sat with at the SC's 40th celebration?

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Yes, Z, I would love Ken to have a real storyline next season. He could be much more interesting than Paul, whom I find pretty one-dimensional. I'd like to see him linked with Jane Sterling or, even more interestingly, Bobbie Barrett if they can get her back.
I agree, SC, he is doing a good job playing the horndog Jr. Exec! He did look genuinely sorry for Pete in he scene where he is fixing the heater and Pete walks by.
My two favorite Ken scenes are the one at the Romano's table with the lighter and the famous John Deere ride!

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Me too! We never get to see anything "personal" about Ken!

Hope he gets a real girlfriend next season and not just another one of his "I've-got-lots-of-numbers" (little black book) chicks.

Wonder if Ken and Pete will get into another ruckus?
I guess deep down he'd like to pop Pete a fast one just to get even for the "lobster tail" crack! Although it sounded like Trudy was hinting around that maybe Pete will start his own agency next season.

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I would love to have seen another Pete/ Ken brawl, but maybe MW is saving that for tomorrow night.
I also love the Right Guard scene where the guys hold Ken down and spray him and Bert Cooper walks in.
I don't think Pete will start his own agency, but it is possible with Trudy's dad's money. I still think he will stay with Don. It really impressed Pete that Don appeared not to crumble when attempted to blackmail him; he may hate, envy , fear Don, but Pete still sees Don as larger than life. After all, Don brought in Conrad Hilton. That is the responsibility of Accounts, not Creative. Pete was impressed. He would definitely follow Don if Don decided to start his own agency.

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I was trying to figure if Joan would have worn that...and Betty had inexpensive costume jewelry on when I expected her to be wearing Miriam Haskell. ecommerce

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Aaron Staton is an American actor. He is known for his role as Ken Cosgrove in Mad Men!
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great, I loved working on the stuff with Vincent canada goose parkas |canada goose coats

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Loved the skit with "Scott Brown" and his constant interruptions and sparkly winks!....esp. old "Robert Byrd" and his black and white "flapper" fantasy! Poor Fred A., stuck with playing Barney Frank! The entire skit was hilarious beyond belief,

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Aaron Staton is an American actor. He is known for his role as Ken Cosgrove in Mad Men!

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