5 Surprising Facts About Colin Hanks' Brief But Pivotal Role As Father John Gill On Mad Men

Few guest stars on AMC’s seminal drama *Mad Men* left an impression quite like Colin Hanks, whose brief but pivotal arc as the earnest young priest, Father John Gill, anchored one of Season 2’s most emotionally complex storylines. Although he only appeared in three episodes of the series, his character served as a vital moral compass and a surprising romantic foil for Peggy Olson, helping to propel her personal journey in a way no other character could.

As of December 2025, Colin Hanks’ career is reaching new heights, making his early work on *Mad Men* a fascinating touchstone. From directing a major documentary about a comedy legend to starring in a highly anticipated action sequel, Hanks is one of Hollywood's most versatile talents, and his time in the world of Sterling Cooper set a trajectory for the varied roles that followed. This deep dive explores the specifics of his *Mad Men* role, its lasting impact, and the surprising reunion that links his past to his current, high-profile projects.

Colin Hanks: Biography and Career Profile

Colin Lewes Hanks is an American actor, director, and filmmaker known for his versatile roles across film and television. He has successfully carved out a distinct career path, separate from his famous father, Tom Hanks.

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• Full Name: Colin Lewes Hanks (born Colin Lewes Dillingham)
• Born: November 24, 1977
• Birthplace: Sacramento, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer
• Notable Television Roles:
  • *Roswell* (Alex Whitman)
  • *Band of Brothers* (Lt. Henry Jones)
  • *Mad Men* (Father John Gill, 2008)
  • *Dexter* (Travis Marshall, 2011)
  • *Fargo* (Gus Grimly, 2014–2015)
  • *Life in Pieces* (Greg Short)
• Notable Film Roles:
  • *Orange County* (Shaun Brumder)
  • *King Kong* (Preston)
  • *Jumanji* film series (Adult Alex Vreeke)
  • *Nobody 2* (Upcoming 2025)
• Directorial Work:
  • *All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records* (2015)
  • *John Candy: I Like Me* (2025)

The Three Episodes That Defined Father John Gill’s Arc

Colin Hanks' character, Father John Gill, was a young, progressive, and strikingly handsome priest who arrives at the St. Patrick’s Church attended by the devoutly Catholic Olson family. His presence was a quiet but powerful catalyst for Peggy Olson, who was grappling with the secret of her out-of-wedlock child, which she had given up for adoption in Season 1.

Father Gill's storyline is notable because it directly addresses the moral and emotional fallout of Peggy’s decision, a subject the show often skirted around in the early seasons. Hanks appeared in three key episodes of *Mad Men*'s second season:

1. Episode 2.04: "Three Sundays" (August 17, 2008)

The Introduction: Father Gill is introduced as the new, charismatic priest who immediately captures the attention of the Olson family, particularly Peggy’s sister, Anita. More significantly, he takes an interest in Peggy, noting her absence from church and her non-traditional path. This episode establishes a palpable, though purely emotional and intellectual, connection between the two. The priest’s youthful energy and genuine concern contrasts sharply with the cynical and often morally ambiguous world of Sterling Cooper.

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2. Episode 2.08: "A Night to Remember" (September 14, 2008)

The Confession: This is arguably Father Gill’s most crucial episode. He visits Peggy at her office at Sterling Cooper to discuss her faith. During this meeting, he gently presses her about her life, which ultimately leads to Peggy's shocking, tearful confession: "I had a baby, and I gave it away." The scene is a monumental turning point for Peggy’s character, as it is the first time she verbally acknowledges the child to anyone outside of Don Draper. Father Gill’s reaction—one of calm, empathetic acceptance rather than judgment—is what truly validates Peggy's struggle and provides her with a moment of grace.

3. Episode 2.13: "Meditations in an Emergency" (October 26, 2008)

The Farewell: In the season finale, Father Gill is seen briefly as he prepares to leave the parish for a missionary trip to Ecuador. His departure symbolizes the end of his influence on Peggy’s life, leaving her to navigate the consequences of her confession and her career trajectory on her own. The character's exit reinforces the idea that his purpose was to serve as a temporary spiritual guide, providing the necessary push for Peggy to confront her past and move forward.

The Surprising 2025 Reunion: Colin Hanks and John Slattery

A fascinating development in Colin Hanks’ career is his recent collaboration with a *Mad Men* co-star, John Slattery, who played the iconic Roger Sterling. This reunion provides a fresh, current connection back to the AMC series.

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The Film *Nuremberg* (2025): Hanks and Slattery were cast together in the upcoming historical drama *Nuremberg*, slated for a 2025 release. While promoting the film, Slattery—who played the witty, silver-haired executive Roger Sterling—recalled their time on the set of *Mad Men*.

The surprising twist, as revealed by Slattery, is that despite both actors being on the same show and even in the same season, they never actually shared a scene together. Slattery noted that he "briefly" crossed paths with Hanks on set years ago. This anecdote highlights the vast, compartmentalized world of the *Mad Men* set, where major characters like Roger Sterling (Slattery) and guest stars like Father Gill (Hanks) could exist in the same fictional universe without ever interacting on screen.

This recent collaboration in *Nuremberg*—a full-circle moment over 15 years after their initial, fleeting encounter—is a powerful testament to the long-lasting connections made on the critically acclaimed series.

The Mad Men Effect: Career Trajectory and 2025 Projects

Colin Hanks himself has previously credited his time on *Mad Men* with helping to propel his career into a new chapter, specifically thanking show creator Matt Weiner for the casting. The role of Father Gill, which required a delicate balance of sincerity and emotional depth, showcased Hanks’ versatility, a trait that has since defined his career.

His post-*Mad Men* career has been marked by a series of critically successful and high-profile projects, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of his biggest years yet, solidifying his status as a major player in both acting and directing:

• Directing *John Candy: I Like Me* (2025): Hanks directed the highly anticipated documentary about the late comedy legend John Candy, which is co-produced by Ryan Reynolds. The documentary is set to open the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 and will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 10, 2025. This directorial effort demonstrates his topical authority and commitment to compelling non-fiction storytelling.
• Starring in *Nobody 2* (2025): Hanks is also set to star in the sequel to the successful action film *Nobody*, which is slated for an August 15, 2025, release. This role highlights his continuing presence in major studio films, showcasing his ability to transition seamlessly between drama, comedy, and action genres.

From a brief but unforgettable stint as a spiritual advisor to Peggy Olson in the late 1960s world of *Mad Men*, Colin Hanks has cemented his legacy as one of Hollywood's most consistently engaging performers, with his most exciting work—both in front of and behind the camera—still to come in 2025.