" When I was coming up, everybody wanted to be Tom Hanks. There was always Robert De Niro and Al Pacino – they were the heavily dramatic stuff. I always had a foot in both camps. The hardest thing was to resist the advice to be like someone else. It took me a while to figure that out. "
- John Slattery

In this statement, John Slattery reflects on his early career journey, where he noticed a preference among actors to emulate either Tom Hanks or other dramatic heavyweights like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. He speaks about finding a balance between these two paths himself. The hardest challenge for him was resisting the urge to follow others' advice and be someone else entirely, which took considerable time and self-reflection.

The deeper meaning of Slattery’s words emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures and expectations. It highlights how difficult it can be to forge one's unique path when everyone else is trying to fit into pre-existing molds or patterns set by successful figures in their field. This quote also touches on the value of self-discovery and persistence, as Slattery suggests that finding his own identity was a gradual process requiring patience and resilience.

John Slattery is an accomplished American actor known for his diverse roles across film and television. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Don Draper's younger brother Pete Campbell in the critically acclaimed series "Mad Men." Beyond this role, he has appeared in numerous films and stage productions, showcasing his ability to adapt various characters with nuanced performances.