Today, we celebrate the remarkable Jon Hamm as he turns 55! This talented Hollywood star gained widespread acclaim for his role as the suave 1960s advertising executive Don Draper in the beloved series Mad Men. His stellar performance earned him two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy after an impressive 15 nominations. In addition to his iconic role, Hamm has charmed audiences with his appearances on NBC’s 30 Rock and is set to reunite with his co-star Tina Fey in the upcoming film Maggie Moore. Directed by Mad Men co-star John Slattery, this dark comedy revolves around a sheriff in a quaint small town.
But that’s not all! Hamm is gearing up to start filming Corner Office, an adaptation of the novel The Room. In this dark satire, he will portray a compulsive bureaucrat who stumbles upon a secret room that his colleagues insist does not exist. Filming is set to take place in Vancouver and will continue through mid-March. In 2020, Hamm also showcased his versatility in the romantic drama Wild Mountain Thyme, co-starring with the talented Emily Blunt, set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland.
Moreover, he brought to life the angel Gabriel in the Amazon Prime miniseries Good Omens, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s celebrated book, and made guest appearances in the delightful series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
In addition to celebrating Hamm’s birthday, today marks a significant milestone for the Salvation Army, which began its charitable operations in the United States 146 years ago. Founded in England 15 years earlier, this organization has grown to boast a global membership exceeding 1.7 million. Operating in 131 countries, the Salvation Army is renowned for its commitment to supporting those in need through charity shops, shelters for the homeless, and disaster relief efforts.
Since its inception, the Salvation Army has been quick to respond in times of crisis, such as during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, where their nationwide appeal for donations received overwhelming support. Following Hurricane Katrina, they contributed over $365 million to assist more than 1.7 million individuals, deploying 178 feeding units and 11 field kitchens to serve millions of hot meals and sandwiches. Their immediate action during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami helped retrieve and bury the deceased and laid the foundation for rebuilding homes and livelihoods.
The iconic red kettles and cheerful bell-ringers during the Christmas season have become synonymous with the Salvation Army. Over the years, generous donors have anonymously placed valuable items into these kettles, adding a heartwarming touch to this cherished tradition.
Lastly, we also commemorate the design of the Giralda Minaret, which was created 828 years ago for the Almohad Mosque in what is now known as Seville, Andalusia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to stunning Moorish architecture and is recognized as one of the most famous landmarks, serving today as the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral.
