John Slattery Reflects on His Career and New Series 'Vladimir'

The 'Mad Men' star discusses navigating fame, dealing with rivalry, and how age has changed his perspective on love and sex.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a conversation with his friend and co-star Richard E. Grant, actor John Slattery opens up about his role in the new series 'Vladimir,' in which he plays a middle-aged man navigating an open marriage. Slattery reflects on his early obsession with movies and television, his struggles with sports as a kid, and the challenges of working with his real-life wife Talia Balsam on 'Mad Men.' He also discusses the moment he felt his fame truly changed, dealing with rivalry and jealousy in the industry, and how his perspective on love and sex has evolved as he's gotten older.

Why it matters

Slattery's candid discussion about the nuances of middle age, open relationships, and the realities of a long acting career provides insight into the experiences of veteran performers in Hollywood. His reflections on navigating fame and professional rivalries also offer a glimpse into the personal challenges faced by actors.

The details

Slattery felt a strong connection to the character of John in the 'Vladimir' series, citing the character's sense of humor, self-deprecation, and awareness of being past his prime as traits he identified with. He had reached out to the show's creator, Sharon Horgan, about the role, feeling he was a good fit. On set, Slattery and co-star Rachel Weisz had differing perspectives on the nature of their characters' open marriage, with Weisz seeing it more as a love story while Slattery envisioned it as more akin to the volatile relationship in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'

  • Slattery first read the novel 'Vladimir' by Julia May Jonas, which the series is based on, prior to the show being cast.
  • Slattery had previously worked with his 'Vladimir' co-star Leo Woodall on the film 'Nuremberg'.

The players

John Slattery

A four-time Emmy-nominated actor known for his role as Roger Sterling on the acclaimed series 'Mad Men.'

Richard E. Grant

An acclaimed British actor who co-starred with Slattery in the film 'Nuremberg.'

Rachel Weisz

The lead actress in the series 'Vladimir,' in which she plays Slattery's on-screen wife.

Leo Woodall

An actor who plays the title character in the series 'Vladimir' and previously worked with Slattery and Grant on 'Nuremberg.'

Sharon Horgan

The creator of the series 'Vladimir,' who reached out to Slattery about playing the role of John.

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What they’re saying

“I thought, 'Well, what does that all do to a marriage? What is the scar tissue?' And she said, 'I don't want to talk about any of that. I don't see it that way. Whatever you want to do is great, but I see it as a love story.' She said, 'I think I'm just madly in love with you.' And I thought, 'Oh, okay.'”

— John Slattery, Actor (Interview Magazine)

“Coming from Rachel Weisz, I was just immediately in love with her too. I fell down the steps of the makeup trailer and was in love with her for the rest of the time we shot the thing.”

— John Slattery, Actor (Interview Magazine)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This interview provides a candid look at the experiences and perspectives of a veteran actor like John Slattery, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a long career in Hollywood, navigating fame and professional rivalries, and evolving as an artist over time. His insights into the nuances of his new role in 'Vladimir' and the collaborative process with his co-stars offer a unique window into the creative process.