Hamm: I auditioned in graduation suit

Jon Hamm is pleased he didn't turn up to his Mad Men audition looking like Ali G.

The smash hit TV show based on an ad agency in 1960s New York has helped Jon achieve global stardom.

Before he was cast as slick ladies' man Don Draper, the 43-year-old was an unknown actor and had to try out for the part in an old suit.

"I first auditioned for Mad Men wearing the suit my dad bought me when I graduated from high school. Turning up looking like [comedy character created and played by Sacha Baron Cohen] Ali G with a gold chain around my neck would have been the wrong choice," Jon laughed to Britain's ES Magazine.

Luckily he landed the part, and his career was launched. Now in its seventh and final season, Mad Men will be saying farewell in 2015.

Jon has many fond memories from working on the award-winning show and even shares some traits with his onscreen alter ego.

"I used to drink bourbon even before Don Draper," he smiled.

"Now there’s a whole new cocktail culture involving smoke and aromatics, so it’s more exciting watching them make it than it is to drink it."

With Mad Men winding down, Jon is now free to pursue movie roles and is currently starring in Disney's Million Dollar Arm.

He's also busy filming animated flick The Minions, a spinoff from the popular Despicable Me movies, which also features the vocal talents of Sandra Bullock and Steve Carell.

Despite a glittering career, Jon has inexpensive taste when it comes to clothes.

"I have a couple of T-shirts I stole from my friend John Simmons in the eighth grade. They belonged to his dad, who was a professional baseball player. I still wear them and they’re still super-awesome," he revealed.