Four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series mark the career profile of John Slattery, specifically for his portrayal of Roger Sterling in the AMC series Mad Men. Beyond this television recognition, his work spans across film acting, screenwriting, and directing, maintaining a consistent presence in American media since the early 1990s.
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Born in Boston in 1962, John M. Slattery Jr. attended Saint Sebastian's School in Newton, Massachusetts. He pursued higher education at the Catholic University of America, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1984. His early professional years included television roles in series such as Homefront, running from 1991 to 1993, followed by Maggie and Jack & Bobby.
Filmography and Cinematic Roles
Slattery has held diverse film roles, including portraying Howard Stark in several Marvel Cinematic Universe entries: Iron Man 2, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. He played Ben Bradlee Jr. in the 2015 film Spotlight, which earned the Academy Award for Best Picture. Additional film credits include Flags of Our Fathers, Charlie Wilson's War, The Adjustment Bureau, and the 2025 release Nuremberg, where he played Burton C. Andrus.
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In 2013, Slattery transitioned to feature film direction with God's Pocket, which he co-wrote with Alex Metcalf. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. On stage, his work encompasses Broadway productions including Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Betrayal, Rabbit Hole, and The Front Page. His off-Broadway credits include The Lisbon Traviata and Three Days of Rain.
Television and Narration
His television work extends to recurring appearances in shows like Desperate Housewives, 30 Rock, Arrested Development, Veep, and Mrs. America. He also narrated audiobook versions of novels by Don DeLillo, Stephen King, and Ernest Hemingway. He is married to actress Talia Balsam, with whom he shares one son; the couple resides in SoHo, Manhattan.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Boston
- Education: The Catholic University of America
- Directorial debut: God's Pocket (2014)
- Marriage: Talia Balsam (1998)
- Marvel role: Howard Stark
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What is John Slattery's most recognized television role?
He is best known for his performance as Roger Sterling in the AMC drama series Mad Men.
Did John Slattery appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes, he portrayed Howard Stark in Iron Man 2, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame.
Has he directed any feature films?
Yes, he directed the 2014 film God's Pocket, which he also co-wrote.
Achievements
- Educated at The Catholic University of America and Saint Sebastian's School
- Worked as actor, screenwriter and film director
