Don Draper is a fictional character of AMC‘s television series “Mad Men,” portrayed by Jon Hamm. Draper is a founding partner and the Creative Director at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce Advertising Agency in Manhattan, New York.
Don Draper Net Worth
Don’s Draper net worth is around $5 million. Draper acquired his wealth through his career as the Creative Director of a Manhattan advertising firm called Sterling Cooper. Later on, he became a founding partner at a new firm, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, after the upper-level executives left because of an unwanted acquisition.
Draper did a lot of good things for Sterling Cooper but his salary was only $35,000 to $45,000 per year so he threatened to leave the firm. In 1962, he became a partner and obtained $315,000 per year.
Personal Life
Donald Francis Draper was born Richard “Dick” Whitman, in 1926 in Illinois to a prostitute named Evangeline and an abusive, alcoholic farmer, Archibald “Archie” Whitman. He was an illegitimate child. His mother died in labor, and when he was 10, his father was killed from a kick by a horse.
Don was raised primarily by Archie’s legal wife Abigail, who treated him badly. When his father died, Abigail remarried and had a son named Adam. His stepfather “Uncle Mac,” was the only one who showed him love when he was growing up. Mac ran the brothel where Don and his half-brother, Adam, grew up after they left the family farm.
Years later, the prostitutes taught don how to pickpocket. Also, at this time, he suffered from croup and was left in the care of a prostitute named Aimee.
Don did not finish high school. He ran away to enlist in the United States Army during the Korean War in 1950. When he was deployed, he served under Lieutenant Donald Francis Draper. During an attack, he accidentally causes an explosion killing Lieutenant Draper instantly. He switched Draper’s dog tags with his before passing out since he was heavily wounded. He gains consciousness in the U.S. Army field hospital, and is presumed to be Lieutenant Draper. He was not recognized by his family but Adam saw him. Don insisted on leaving the past behind and rejected Adam, which caused him to commit suicide.
Professional Career
Don Draper moves to New York City where he decides to start a new life. He worked as a fur salesman and attended City College at night. At his job is where he met Betty, a model for the company, who would become his wife.
He tricks Roger Sterling, who was drunk at that time, into offering him a position at Sterling Cooper. He later becomes the creative director of the advertising firm.
He was considered the golden boy of the company because of his amazing talent and ideas.
Later on in the series, he becomes a partner in the firm, now named Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.
Don Draper Dating History
Don Draper and Elizabeth “Betty” Hofstadt got married in May 1953. They resided in Westchester County, New York. They have two children – Sally and Bobby.
They filed for divorce in 1964 after Betty discovered Don’s true identity.
Don was involved with a lot of women throughout the show – Midge Daniels, Rachel Menken, Bobbie Barrett, Suzanne, Farrell, Dr. Faye Miller, among others.
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