If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
Award-winning actor Jon Hamm, whose film credits include the 2010 Boston-based Ben Affleck movie “The Town,” will be back in the area on Friday (Jan. 31) to receive the Hasty Pudding Theatricals 2025 Man of the Year award . And while he has appeared in numerous films — from comedies (“Bridesmaids”) to action blockbusters (“Top Gun: Maverick”) — the 53-year-old actor is best known for his role as Don Draper in the period drama series “Mad Men,” for which he won numerous awards. He has also been in many television series, including “30 Rock” and the current hit “Landman,” and lent his voice to animated films including “Shrek Forever After” and “Minions.” Hamm has multiple projects in the works as well, including an Apple TV+ series arriving in April called “Your Friends and Neighbors,” in which he will star alongside Olivia Munn and Amanda Peet, and serve as executive producer. Even with such a busy career, he hopes to find time to go to Japan, since he’s never been and wants to visit his college roommate, who lives there. Hamm’s visit to Cambridge comes on the heels of his appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, last weekend. We caught up with the St. Louis, Mo., native, who lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Anna Osceola (an actress from Cambridge), to talk about all things travel.
For some reason leaving the country seems even more appealing right now. But all kidding aside, I would genuinely like to go to Japan. Never been and always wanted to go. My college roommate is living and working there now, so no better time.
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Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own?
We book through a wonderful agent and then my wife gives copious notes.
Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation?
Most of mine are unplugged to a certain extent. Completely unplugged would be stressful, I think.
What has been your worst vacation experience?
Worst vacation was probably when I got stomach flu, followed two days later by my wife.
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What is your favorite childhood travel memory?
Best childhood travel for me was a trip I took with my mom out to Southern California to visit my aunt. We saw like six amusement parks in seven days. It must’ve been misery for her.
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all?
Relax first. Learning and adventuring are byproducts.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation?
Whatever I’m currently reading — “Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean” by Jason Colavito at the moment.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be?
Probably someone who owns a boat.
What is the best gift to give a traveler?
Luggage. I can’t have enough luggage.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip?
Jerky.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation?
All the souvenirs I’ve collected are “cool” in their own way. Each represents the trip we were on and where we were at that moment. Couldn’t pick just one.
What has travel taught you?
When I was a kid growing up in Missouri, I never thought I would get the chance to go anywhere outside the United States. My experience with foreign countries was National Geographic and James Bond films. It made me appreciate the opportunities I get to go to those places now — and to always make the most of them.
What is your best travel tip?
Don’t stress. The journey is the destination and the destination will be fantastic.
Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.
Jon Hamm has entered the VIP Lounge
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