That Time Tina Fey Called Lorne Michaels To Make Sure Jon Hamm Wasn’t ‘A D–k’ Before Hiring Him For 30 Rock

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Lorne Michaels and Saturday Night Live have welcomed many famous faces from Hollywood since its debut in 1975. Over the past five decades, this show has been filled with laughter and memorable moments. One such story involves Tina Fey seeking advice from Michaels about Jon Hamm’s compatibility for the sitcom “30 Rock.” In essence, she wanted to know if he would be a suitable fit for that role.

Fey and Hamm each have numerous projects scheduled for release, with Fey’s titles debuting first on Apple TV shows, and Hamm’s appearing on our 2025 Netflix schedule and TV guide respectively. The upcoming Apple TV show “Your Friends & Neighbors” will mark one of Fey’s projects, and during an interview with Tina Fey for Interview Magazine, Hamm discussed various milestones in his career, such as his initial audition for “30 Rock”, which was linked to his first time hosting a renowned late-night show. Interestingly, they had not previously met, and Fey confirmed that she checked with Michael to ensure Hamm met all the necessary requirements.

Previously, I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting you before your hosting stint. I recall reaching out to Lorne via call or email, expressing my curiosity about your comedic skills. I mentioned this because we had a role on 30 Rock that seemed tailor-made for someone with a good sense of humor like yours. Additionally, I wanted to ensure you were not only funny but also approachable and professional.

Undeniably, the actor from the “Landman” series has earned the endorsement of two comedy giants, which is fully deserved. His impressive body of work showcases his versatile talent, making him a natural fit. Consequently, he’s been added to the roster of upcoming hosts and musical guests for SNL’s momentous 50th season (also debuting his Apple drama on April 11).

Hamm endorsed the sentiment expressed by the creator of the “Four Seasons” series, reiterating plainly that collaborating with difficult individuals is less than ideal.

I mean, that’s a real thing. It’s not fun to work with people that aren’t fun.

It’s delightful to learn that their time on “30 Rock” was as enjoyable as it appeared, which only strengthens why the show continues to rank among the finest sitcoms. Fey explained further, stating that it’s a firm choice because it’s essential to appreciate moments that bring joy: enjoy what you can.

In other words, it’s a situation where you express, “I’ll stop doing that from now on.” Life is precious and the days are exhausting.

It’s wonderful that both stars have managed to expand their careers over time, incorporating new projects into their repertoires. This is particularly evident in Tina Fey’s resume, which soon includes her upcoming “Four Seasons” series (available with a Netflix subscription). The cast, featuring Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte, sounds like a dream lineup. What’s even more intriguing is the news that she and several other alumni from “30 Rock” are involved in the upcoming Tracy Morgan/Daniel Radcliffe project, which underscores her dedication to her craft.

It’s intriguing to consider what it must feel like for Jon Hamm to have earned the early endorsement from Fey and Michaels. Undoubtedly, he must have been thrilled, given that he successfully navigated their famous “Don’t be a jerk” evaluation.

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2025-04-09 05:07