‘Mad Men’ season 7: John Slattery turned down role on ‘Empire’

While you have gotten a chance to see John Slattery as Roger Sterling on “Mad Men” over the years, it turns out that there was an opportunity for him to be on another show that has been extremely valuable to pop culture in its own right. Not only that, but its ratings have shot through the roof in a way in which they never did for the AMC drama: “Empire.”

So how did all of this come about? It turns out that much of it has to do with the ties that he has to “Empire” executive producer Danny Strong, who actually played the character of Danny Siegel on “Mad Men.” When the AMC show wrapped last year, it gave Slattery a chance to assess some of his options, but ultimately, he decided to go in another direction and try out a variety of other projects. None of them may have the same commercial appeal that “Empire” has, but he certainly seems to be rather pleased nonetheless.

For more, just take a look at what John had to say in a new interview with the Daily Beast on the subject:

“That’s Danny Strong who punches me in the balls! He actually asked me if I wanted to be on Empire,and I think I let that ship sail. I don’t know who I would’ve played… some white dude.”

While it could have been great to have John on there, clearly “Empire” is doing just fine. It also has a renewal for a second season, which will come out at the earliest this fall.

What do you think: Would Slattery have been really great on “Empire”? Share with a comment now, and head over here to get some other updates when it comes to “Mad Men.” Also, you can sign up now to get some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: AMC.)