Before today, Jon Hamm and John Goodman had two things in common: first name—spelling preference aside—and status as two of St. Louis’ favorite hometown celebrities.
Now, they’ll share a franchise, as Hamm appears in The Jesus Rolls (in theaters now), a spin-off of the 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski, in which Goodman played the fiery-tempered yet tender Walter Sobchak, friend and bowling league teammate to Jeff Bridges’ The Dude.
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The Jesus Rolls follows Jesus Quintana (played by John Turturro), a supporting but memorable character from the first film. Although the film is largely considered a sequel, the Coen Brothers, Bridges, and Goodman are not involved, but the film’s other notable stars include Pete Davidson, Christopher Walken, and Susan Sarandon. But the one we’re most excited to see? Hamm, who, based on the trailer, plays a character who owns a car Jesus and his best friend Petey (Bobby Cannavale) try to steal after Jesus is released from prison.
As noted by St. Louis Public Radio journalist Sarah Fentem on Twitter, Hamm ignites a sense of St. Louis pride like no other. We really just can’t contain ourselves.
SLM hasn’t been coy about our admiration. Here are 10 things you might not know about the John Burroughs and Mizzou alum. We’ve counted the ways we celebrated his Emmy win, compiled photos of him in town, and at times, we really just wanted to talk about him. Why, you ask? Because this burning love is not one-sided. Here are the many, many other times Hamm has proved he’s St. Louis’ sweet prince.
1. We probably don’t have to tell you how big of a St. Louis sports fan Hamm is. Earlier this year, he told everyone in an article he wrote for NHL.com. In it, Hamm waxes poetic about his St. Louis childhood and going to hockey games with his dad. He’s also an outspoken Cardinals fan, and has lent his voice to Cardinals media and discussed his Cardinals love in length.
2. He also makes sure to come home for games even now, and, of course, during the Stanely Cup championship and NHL All-Star Weekend.
Have you seen anyone look happier to cuddle Stanley than Jon Hamm?
3. Just listen to the way he says “Highway Farty Far.” This is a man dedicated to sharing St. Louis goodness.
4. We’re not really sure there actually is a St. Louis accent, but if Hamm says so, it must be true.
5. He’s probably wearing a St. Louis sports team ballcap this very moment. (If we’re really lucky, he’s paired it with a scarf.)
6. Per Hamm, intentionally dressed in blue to honor the Blues, when he “supports a team, he goes all the way!” We have no choice but to stan.
7. He can be himself at home. By himself, we mean the most lovable Creve Coeur dad just popping into Schnucks on a Sunday.
(For contrast, here’s Hamm outside of St. Louis.)
8. He shouts out local businesses.
So if you’re out watching The Jesus Rolls, which a New York Times reviewer says toggles between “emotionally compelling candor about aging and loneliness” and a “licentious goofball mode,” just remember. That one actor? He’s from St. Louis.
