Christina Hendricks, globally recognized for her iconic role as Joan on Mad Men, found herself thrust into the media limelight more for her striking physique than her acting prowess.
Six years post the series finale, she remains active in television and, since her divorce from actor Geoffrey Arend two years ago, has embraced the joys of singlehood.
Turning 40 marked Christina Hendricks bidding farewell to Joan and Mad Men, a pivotal chapter in her career. Despite enduring persistent commentary on her physical appearance, Hendricks has ventured into diverse roles on television, exploring new territories in both thrillers and comedy while relishing her newfound single life.
Born on May 3, 1975, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Hendricks grew up as the daughter of a psychologist and a forestry agent. Frequent relocations prompted her mother to encourage participation in drama school as a means of making friends. Originally a natural blonde, Hendricks began dyeing her hair at the age of 10, and after moving to Fairfax, Virginia, she faced bullying in high school. Theater became her refuge amid the challenges of feeling like an outcast.
Post-education, she joined the IMG modeling agency at 18 and relocated to New York. Juggling modeling with advertisements, Hendricks even disclosed that her hand graced the American Beauty poster. In the late '90s, she transitioned to acting, taking on episodic and supporting roles in series like ER and Firefly before landing the defining role of Joan Holloway in Mad Men.
Throughout the seven seasons of Mad Men, Hendricks received six Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actress. However, she vocalized frustration over the media's fixation on her physique, particularly her curves. Despite being hailed as a representation of a different standard of beauty on television, she expressed discontent that her acting often took a back seat to discussions about her body.
While the series aired, Hendricks made her film debut in movies like Drive (2011), Lost River (2014), and Dark Places (2015). Post-Mad Men, she continued her television career with projects such as the crime drama Tin Star (2017-2020) and the comedy Good Girls (2018-). Hendricks remains dedicated to her craft, determined to be recognized for her acting talent rather than just her physical attributes, marking a shift in the narrative surrounding her career.
