How a Mad Men Star Learned His Character Was Being Killed

Actor Aaron Staton, who portrayed Ken Cosgrove on the acclaimed television series “Mad Men,” has shared details regarding the conclusion of his character’s storyline. His recollection came during a recent cast reunion, providing insight into the show’s production process.

Main News

Aaron Staton learned his character, account executive Ken Cosgrove, would be written out of “Mad Men” while reading the script for the episode “Time & Life.” This episode was part of the final season.

The script revealed that Ken’s character would be shot in the face by a disgruntled former client. However, the injury was not fatal.

Ken Cosgrove survived the attack but was left with a significant facial scar. Following this incident, he left the advertising industry for a new position at a manufacturing company owned by his father-in-law.

Staton recounted that he received no prior warning from the show’s creator, Matthew Weiner, or any producers about this plot development. His first awareness of the character’s departure was through the script itself.

Summary

During a cast reunion, Aaron Staton described learning about Ken Cosgrove’s fate on “Mad Men” directly from a script. He discovered his character would be shot but not killed in the episode “Time & Life.”

The shooting led to Ken leaving the advertising firm Sterling Cooper & Partners. He subsequently accepted a corporate role at his wife’s family’s business.

Staton stated he was not given advance notice by the show’s creator or production team. The script was his first and only indication that his character’s primary storyline was concluding.

FAQs

**How did Ken Cosgrove leave *Mad Men*?**
Ken Cosgrove was shot in the face by a former client. He survived the attack but subsequently left the advertising agency to work for his father-in-law’s manufacturing company.

How did Aaron Staton find out about his character’s ending?
He found out by reading the script for the episode “Time & Life.” He received no prior warning from the show’s creator, Matthew Weiner.

Did Ken Cosgrove die on the show?
No, he did not die. He was injured and scarred but survived the shooting, which led to his career change and departure from the main setting of the series.