We had lunch today with Jon Hamm
So here’s how it happened.
Many moons ago, approximately seven moons ago, we posted about a charity auction for the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. If you take a look at the comments on that post, you will notice one very interested seagirl.
Seagirl, (whose name will remain seagirl through the entire telling of this story), emailed us to tell us that she is seriously in the running, and would like to invite one of us as her date.
And then she won.
So now I keep saying to Deb, Let’s get mom to choose. ‘Cause I’m just rotten that way ; )
Let me say that seagirl is the nicest human in the world. At the time she won she didn’t have a lot of information, but immediately suggested that she try to bring us both. And that the lunch could be in either LA or New York, and she was willing to do either.
Only ASF was sticking with ‘plus one’ for the winner entirely on board with both of us coming along, only we didn’t find this out until much later. So it led to all kinds of unnecessary sister tensions which we can entirely afford because let’s face it, we’re sister and there’s a sea of ‘em.
This was all back in the spring, and we had no idea when this lunch would happen, but we figured not for months, at least until the season wrapped. But you never know. In the meantime, she and I worked out a plan for how to handle the situation if it truly was only to be one of us.
Then in August, if you recall, we took a little trip to LA to spend a day on the set. And there we met Jon Hamm.
Let me say that Jon is the nicest human in the world.
We had two conversations with him that day, and during each of them we tried to cover everything we might possibly kick ourselves for later if we didn’t. One of them was, Hey, we’ve been trying to reach you for an interview but you’re kind of too big now for us to make any headway with your people. He told us he would talk to them. That seemed to work out okay. And the other was, Oh btw, we’re having lunch with you (I was terribly concerned that after meeting him on set, he might be entirely weirded out if we just showed up at lunch all Hey ya!) and an additional btw, ASF is only letting the winner bring one guest. I’ll make a call, he assured us.
The following week seagirl emailed us that we would now be three for lunch. So when I tell you that Jon is absolutely authentically wonderful, let me assure you that I mean it with all my heart. That follow up will always remain my evidence of a man who is not blowing smoke up anybody’s ass. And so apparently ASF was never planning on denying both of us this invite, and it wasn’t Jon’s pull at all but the kindness of ASF, and so how oh how will I ever find reason to love Jon now?
Last week seagirl got contacted, How’s next Thursday? And we all scrambled but seagirl has a way bigger scramble than Deb or I, who simply had to arrange time off.
And we never announced it because we really wanted to clear that with Jon. And today we had lunch, the five of us–we were joined by Andy Ostroy, who is the founder of ASF and Adrienne Shelly’s widower. What a charming, intelligent, lovely man he was. And seagirl!!! I cannot begin to tell you how much we liked her. (Anne B., we think you and seagirl are sisters under the skin. And Anne B., Jon knew you by name.)
Because I told the whole backstory, I will leave a lot of the lunch to my sister. We are also trying to get seagirl to guest post about it too. But the overview was this–we met at a quaint, charming spot in the west village called Café Cluny. Jon flew in from Boston and his flight had been delayed; we’d all been informed of this, but he was only going to be a little late, so we were all seated by the time he arrived.
We sat together talking and eating for nearly two hours. Jon was warm but reserved–I don’t say reserve negatively, I’m not saying guarded–there is in fact a real openness to him. We spoke about the show, we spoke about our lives, all of our lives and projects, we spoke about Don Draper, about our blog, we told stories. It was so relaxed, and just such a pleasure.
Plus we totally made out, Jon and me.
KIDDING!!!
Anyway, it was ridiculous in that it was really so easy. He’s just a delight. I think that he genuinely enjoyed himself. I know that we all did.
I will give Deb a turn. She’s got the pictures, too, so stay tuned.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
*bows* We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!
November 19th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Okay. I am seething with jealousy right about now. But it sounds like a fantastic time. Congratulations, and how lovely that seagirl set the whole thing up! You have some great friends.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
We really do, hull. And we’re really, really grateful.
But seethe away ; )
November 19th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
And here’s something I meant to mention-it has just been such a whirlwind. We went to LA and then leaped into this very busy season and all the news and interviews, then finally having my interview with Jon, which was conducted in the days between the Grown-ups and Shut the Door. Have a Seat., then our finale party and Michael showing up for that, and then this less than two weeks later. To get to have lunch with him right now, so soon after the season and the interview–the timing was just icing on an already yummy cake.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
It’s nice to hear how genuinely good he is…and yet it doesn’t surprise me after reading that GQ profile on him.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I totally made out with jon hamm just reading your blog post.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
esme LOL!!!
November 19th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Well gosh!
Guess I’m gonna have to start watching my P’s and Q’s NOW!
No, really. I’m thrilled for you. And seagirl, you had better post about this, just so I get that Chekhov play out of my head every time I see your name.
One more thing I want to say: the world lost something very bright and good when Adrienne Shelly was killed. I hope you ladies gave Andy the best wishes and deepest sympathy of all of us at the Basket.
Returning, now, to my seeeeeethe …
November 19th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I totally did not make out with Jon Hamm, but he slipped me his phone # while he was autographing my DVD. I already told my bf this.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Anne, all I could think of to say was I was sorry for his loss, and impressed that he’d turned it into something so good. I’ve had a similar loss; it changes you utterly, and I get that. Andy is so full of light, he is truly lovely and he has truly found a way to make his life make sense, and I so admire that.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I cannot seethe, I am simply too blown away by the lunch, that JH arranged for 3 to go, that he knows Anne B by name and the making out with you and esme
sigh!!!!
Why isn’t seagirl a basketcase??? She needs to join us!
November 19th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
So did you make out right at the table, or in the middle of the street afterward?
I’d have gone street all the way. Gotta have a little class about these things.
November 19th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
seagirl is a Basketcase, Kassy, she’s just not all that into the writing part.
November 19th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I already have his phone number. I do–from the interview. I will keep it forever and never ever use it even under the drunk texting rouse.
Jon’s a class act. I cannot say more
November 19th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
anne b – I was stunned when I heard she had been killed. I love her work in Hal Hartley’s early films – The Unbelievable Truth and Trust… with Edie Falco… Shelly’s performances have stayed with me all these years. She was so memorable.
What a tragic and senseless loss.
It’s wonderful to see people put such tragedies toward creating something good.
November 19th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Did he mention me? Ha ha, Just kidding!
November 19th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
And esme, the film she directed? “Waitress” is one of my favorites. It’s so positive and free-spirited … and I love, love, love the end.
We can see everything she would have been in that film. Such a loss.
November 19th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I just WISH I’d run into you guys in the WV today…I would’ve shrieked SO loudly, “OMG, I can’t believe this…Best star sighting EVER!” And I would’ve run up with pen & paper to Roberta & Debbie for autographs. Can you imagine the look on the Hammster’s face?!?!? (Do I have an active imagination or what?)
November 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Is severely jealous, but happy for you at the same time.
November 19th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
You Lipp sisters are living the dream! Thanks for sharing it with us. I’m happy for you! And equally happy that Jon is as cool as I’d assumed. Sounds like a great guy!
November 20th, 2009 at 1:11 am
Sometimes this blog feels more like a gossip column. I’m just wondering why you didn’t mention what Hamm ordered.
November 20th, 2009 at 2:29 am
#21, I respectfully disagree. Inarguably, Weiner & Co keep the Mad Men story so close to the vest, that this relationship & today’s events (as well as the drop-in interviews, frequent blog visitors, surprise guests at season finale watching parties) should not read as gossipy or frivolous in my opinion. Furthermore, when interviewed, invariably each actor comments directly about the blog or to another commenter — there’s nothing frivolous in that — taken as a whole, that is nothing short of an acknowledgement for the Baskets’ consistently quality content, excellent writing, and unparalleled point of views regarding this drama. Lastly, what Jon Hamm did for the sisters was out of respect for them–that’s truly outstanding.
{Well, after nearly two seasons of lurking: Congratulations on these last few weeks — what a season!}
November 20th, 2009 at 7:01 am
dallasite, welcome to the out-of-lurk world!
Rumor Mill–we’ve been sitting on this since April. We’ve not mentioned it once; not one time. Not until I specifically heard out of the mouths of Jon and Andy that we were welcome to write about it and hey, let’s do some pictures while we’re at it. Because we took this very seriously, the fact that this was not our gig per se.
We had a discussion with Jon at one point how writing about the crush-on-Jon-Hamm dynamic is part of what we do–how redecorating the blog for “Jon Hamm Birthday Week” and celebrating it with love and “reverence” is not something we’re planning on stopping. And he totally gets it, accepts it, and gets a kick out of it.
He is a real supporter of Basket of Kisses.
You on the other hand, are not. And I’m sure there are other sites you can go to rather than stay here and insult this one.
A bleu cheese burger with bacon. He didn’t touch his fries which is too bad because the fries were awwwe some. Two beers. A double espresso.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Did you eat any Jon Hamm’s John Ham?
November 20th, 2009 at 8:39 am
I’m very new to this site, and new to the love of Mad Men, Jon Hamm and company. I love the intellect of this site; it’s humor, and mostly the love you have for the show, the respect you give it, respect for Matt Weiner and crew, love for Jon and the rest of the cast. So for something like this to happen, just seems like a natural flow of events for people who care for a site with the class and grace you’ve given it.
Is it too shallow to mention that I think Jon Hamm is yummylicious?
November 20th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Looks like a great time! Congrats all around! Minor detail, considering the amazing gathering with Jon Hamm, but great choice in Cafe Cluny- one of my favorites in the village.
Also, I hope more attention is brought to the Adrienne Shelley Foundation. My former girlfriend drew my attention to Adrienne’s work and tragic demise. Adrienne Shelley was amazingly talented and the foundation started in her honor is doing wonderful things.
I hope everyone takes some time to learn more about Adrienne’s story and considers supporting her foundation. (disclaimer:I’m not associated with the foundation.)
November 20th, 2009 at 9:12 am
That’s a fine Hamm sandwich! How wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing, and I hope there’s more lunches in your future!
November 20th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Hello all, appreciate the kind words and please do check out the Foundation as it’s a wonderful cause; here is the link again:
http://www.adrienneshellyfoundation.org/
Andy Ostroy is a class act and I know would appreciate your support. I’m not affiliated either, just have a lot of respect for what they (and BoK) do.
Deborah and Roberta nailed most of the juicy details including JH lunch order (for the record, he also ate at least one Hershey kiss from our Basket) but will post something of my own over the weekend….thanks all!
November 20th, 2009 at 10:06 am
what kind of beers?
November 20th, 2009 at 10:49 am
decay, just before I read your comment, I was showing a co-worker this thread and he asked me the same question. I feel really, really badly that I don’t know the answer–I’m just not a beer guy.
I know they had nothing on tap so he had to suck it up and take bottled. And I know my sister had a pale ale and he did not.
I had a vodka lemony girlish martini thing. Just in case you wanted to know. Only one and slowww ’cause of how I am.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I had a rare tuna burger with wasabi mayonnaise.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:33 am
that sounds reaaally yummy. what did seagirl have?
November 20th, 2009 at 11:42 am
wait–you don’t care what I had?
November 20th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I was also a fan of Shelley’s. I still have a vhs tape I made of The Unbelievable Truth wayyyy back in the 1980s.
I was shocked to hear of her murder when I just happened to look her up a few years back. I feel for her husband and family.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Adrienne Shelly was a true original.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I had no idea who Adrienne Shelly was, but once I saw “Waitress” I was beyond sold. If anyone needs an intro to her “Waitress” is pretty easy to find and great fun.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I’m swooning just thinking about it. You lucky devils!
November 20th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
decoy, I had rigatoni with ricotta (OK), a good glass of Pinot (better), and a REALLY good dark chocolate for dessert.
November 20th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
For the record, the Lipps never tell me about these events in advance, either.
It’s like guest-blogging for Matt Weiner.
November 20th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi Karl,
We were definitely thinking of you and complimenting all the Basketcase males!
FYI I did ask D & R not to share anything on the site until it was a done deal which didn’t happen till last Friday, and we wanted to make sure Jon was OK with us blogging.
November 20th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Speaking of the Basketcase males … YES. You guys are all wonderful. I know you’re in the minority around here, but you sure do some good work.
While we’re on the subject, does anyone have a photo of Basketwriter B. Cooper from the season finale party? I have looked in vain for one in which he appears.
Basketcases would be amazed to see how good Bert looks off-camera.
November 20th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
[...] gave us time to meet each other and hit it off. Then Andy Ostroy arrived. As you may recall from yesterday, Any is the founder of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, which hosted the auction in which this lunch [...]
November 20th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
What DID you order, Roberta?
November 20th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
You guys are too cute.
I had the breakfast club sandwich with salad, but got some fries for the table, not realizing Jon would get some. And not eat them. They were the greatest fries on all the earth.
Here’s the lunch menu.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
@ #18 sommgirl I did something very similar to Jeff Foxworthy. Ran into him at the airport about 3 years ago and said “Don’t I know you from somewhere? Don’t tell me, I never forget a face. OH! I know! You used to be the deli manager at the Kroger on Lavista Rd!” And he was, and he died laughing and we had a nice 2-3 minute chat.
Not quite the same as lunch w/Hamm, or the Lipp Sisters, but it’s a claim to near-fame nonetheless. Sometime, when I want to make all yall jealous, I’ll tell you about the time I nodded and smiled at Elton John, and he nodded and smiled back. Oh, wait, that’s the extent of the story.
November 20th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I drank way too much one evening sitting talking with Frank Sinatra Jr about old Jimmy Cagney movies…that was fun, I think…
November 21st, 2009 at 12:35 am
This site is top drawer, all the way.
January 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
[...] kick-ass interviews including Jon Hamm. We flew to LA and spent a day on the set, and separately had a lunch with Hamm. I went to a bar one night to watch the show with Rich Sommer. We threw our second annual season [...]