It may seem as if Mad Men's beloved Jon Hamm came out of thin air a couple years back. But in reality, you've probably seen his handsome mug before and just not realized it. Like the persevering Peggy Olsons and Pete Campbells of the world, Hamm paid his dues moving up the ladder. Would the casting directors have done better to give him more prominent parts given his success as Don Draper, ad man extraordinaire? Of course! Read on for a roundup of his early movie roles -- the first tiny drops in a long, wave-making career.

Dr. Michael Granier in The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
In this scifi release, Hamm plays a NASA scientist whose team is studying an alien who has taken human form on Earth. Strutting around in the blue-green light of his lab, Hamm assists us in understanding the science in the story -- including the most important discovery in the history of mankind! (Which, according to Keanu Reeves, is not Mad Men.)

Skydiving Guide Chris Knarl in The Ten (2007)
There are worse men with whom to share a tandem free fall than Don Draper. (That pipe-smoking Paul Kinsey, for one.) But the allure eludes Adam Brody, who forgets to grab hold before leaping from the plane in this movie. Brody should have at least strapped on his parachute, which is what Hamm is left holding as Brody falls to the ground... yet not his death

Ronnie in Ira & Abby (2006)
In this indie comedy, Hamm is Ronnie, the studly, long-haired (!) ex of Abby (Hamm's long-time love Jennifer Westfeldt). As Abby's husband Ira looks on, there's Hamm hugging Abby in the restaurant or dancing with her at a party. In 2006, Hamm was still a relative unknown. But he was still a ladies man and source of jealousy.

Captain Matt Dillon in We Were Soldiers (2002)
As clean-cut Capt. Dillon, Hamm fights alongside Mel Gibson in Vietnam. As is often the case in war pics, Hamm's pretty face promptly disappears in the chaos of battle. Dust and dirt, camouflage and combat boots take over. Unless we missed something, no dog tags are stolen this time around.

Red-Headed Cop in Early Bird Special (2001)
In this low-budget dark comedy, our hero moves up in the billing order to play a red-headed cop for director Mark Jean (Homecoming). Wait... Red-headed!? Is it not worth seeking out a copy of this rarity this very second just to see such a thing? Is Don pulling a Joan?

Charles in Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)
In this memorable cameo, Hamm plays the handsome, bespectacled blind date to Jessica Stein (Westfeldt, again). When he gushes that he's "met someone special," Jessica smiles and blushes even though he's talking about someone else. Or is he? This onscreen mismatch translated to a longstanding love affair: Hamm and Westfeldt are going on ten years together.

Young Pilot #2 in Space Cowboys (2000)
Ninety-nine percent of the frames in this movie are dedicated to four veteran pilots (Eastwood, Jones, Sutherland and Garner). But in the black-and-white flashback sequences, you might briefly recognize the familiar chisel-jawed face who's "Young Pilot #2." Yes, that's Jon Hamm in his big screen debut. A rather fitting introduction, in light of Tina Fey's astute and flattering observation on 30 Rock: "He looks like a cartoon pilot!"

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