It’s Don Draper, er, Jon Hamm’s turn to host the ESPYs tonight.
Hamm isn’t a stand-up comedian in the mode of previous host Seth Meyers. However, he does have some comic chops as evidenced by work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.
Also, Hamm’s presence on the ESPYs is likely to attract more female viewers than Norm Macdonald.
Variety has some excerpts on Hamm talking about his big sports night.
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“It’s not something I’ve necessarily done before. Hosting an awards show is not like hosting ‘Saturday Night Live.’ It’s a whole different skill set. Hopefully, I’m up to the task. I’ve never had a problem standing up in front of a crowd and making a fool of myself.”
“It’s certainly not going to be ‘The Jon Hamm Show,’ nor should it be. I know Seth (Meyers) and Rob (Riggle), who hosted the past couple of years, and what both of those guys have that I hope to bring to it is innate charisma. Those guys happen to be professional comedians and I am not, so that’s a little daunting.”
“‘SNL’ is obviously an institution that has been going 37, 38 years, and it is an impressive (show). The ESPYs are an award show, and first and foremost they’re to celebrate the achievements of the athletes in attendance. Ideally if it can be entertaining and funny and lighthearted, that can be a plus. … I think the ESPYs does a pretty good job, more so than most, of having a good time and celebrating.”
“It’s been my experience through various deals with ESPN through the years as well as ‘Saturday Night Live’ that athletes are desperate to crack each other up and make fools of themselves at any time … in a positive way.”
“My competitive athletic days are pretty far behind me, though I play baseball still and tennis. I was a fairly good competitive high school athlete, (though) I was never in any danger of progressing into a professional career. I hate working out, and I still do, so (playing sports) provides a way of getting exercise without doing something dull and repetitive.”
“I do love professional hockey. It would kind of be cool to play someone like Gordie Howe. I mean, I can’t skate a lick, but old-time hockey is fascinating. … Or basically, just to play Paul Newman’s character in ‘Slap Shot.’”