Kiernan Shipka Credits Mad Men for Launching Her Acting Career

Industry season 4’s Kiernan Shipka expresses gratitude for her time on the acclaimed series Mad Men and the impact it has had on her ongoing career.

“I mean, Mad Men is such a significant show and it’s remarkable to have been a part of it,” Shipka, 26, shared exclusively with Us Weekly on Thursday, January 8, while attending the Industry season 4 New York City premiere at Regal Union Square.

“It still feels somewhat unbelievable,” Shipka continued. “As I grow older and distance myself from it, I find it increasingly strange and astonishing to consider that it was a part of my life and that I remain connected to it — but it’s wonderful.

For those unfamiliar, Shipka memorably portrayed young Sally Draper — daughter of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and Betty Draper (January Jones) — throughout all seven seasons of the award-winning show, essentially growing up on the set. Shipka subsequently played Sabrina Spellman in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, consistently acknowledging Mad Men as her personal acting foundation.

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“I heard from someone the other day that they were watching Mad Men on HBO Max, and then it transitioned to a trailer for Industry, featuring me in a very mature role, and it’s somewhat astonishing how much time has passed,” Shipka explained to Us on Thursday. “But it’s exciting and I will forever be indebted, quite literally, to Mad Men for everything I have achieved here.”

Now, Shipka is joining the darkly captivating world of Industry, appearing in season 4 as Hayley Clay, an executive assistant at a fintech company described as a “spirited socialite.” According to Shipka, the role was intricate and a genuine pleasure to film.

“I believe she was exceptionally layered and complex, and I viewed her entire arc as a detailed map, allowing me to understand her character, her place, and her timing, and she was simply a captivating person to embody,” she explained to Us. “She offered numerous opportunities to develop her story and she’s also quite bold and unfiltered. I adored her.”

A significant aspect of portraying the character, Shipka said, was immersing herself in the “spirited socialite” lifestyle.

“So enjoyable! Oh my goodness, I mean, I’ve done sufficient personal exploration and preparation,” she joked with Us. “It’s gratifying to finally incorporate it.”

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Without revealing too much — beyond a surprising plot development — the former Mad Men star is optimistic that viewers already accustomed to (and captivated by) Industry’s signature blend of sex, drugs, and complicated relationships will be taken aback by her character’s trajectory.

“I simply hope that they are surprised by her,” Shipka said. “I was surprised by her. I was surprised reading the script. I never anticipated her next action, and I sincerely hope that audiences don’t see what’s coming.”

With reporting by Vincent Perella