Actor John Slattery, best known for playing Roger Sterling in Mad Men, has joined Ocean Conservancy’s ‘Protect Where We Play’ initiative as its newest Team Ocean Captain. The Emmy-nominated actor was announced as the campaign’s first actor to join the campaign at a New York City Climate Week event on September 24, 2025.The initiative brings together athletes, artists, and entertainers to encourage millions of fans to support ocean conservation. The announcement came during the annual gathering. According to Ocean Conservancy, Slattery’s involvement is intended to bring a new voice to the campaign and extend its reach to entertainment audiences. The announcement was also accompanied by an exclusive preview of Kuleana, a documentary about the ocean plastics crisis in Hawaii.
John Slattery becomes the first actor to join ‘Protect Where We Play’
Slattery is the first actor to join Ocean Conservancy’s ‘Protect Where We Play’ campaign, which uses the popularity of sport and entertainment to encourage more people to support ocean conservation. The Emmy-nominated performer is best known for playing Roger Sterling in Mad Men.His appointment was announced at an event during New York City Climate Week on September 24, 2025. He joins a group of Team Ocean Captains that already includes athletes and performers from basketball, American football, baseball, Paralympic sport, ballet and surfing.According to Ocean Conservancy, his involvement would bring a new voice to the campaign and help it connect with entertainment audiences. The initiative aims to use the influence of sports stars and entertainers to unite fans behind ocean protection.
Ocean holds a special place in Slattery’s life
Slattery spoke about his personal connection with the ocean when his appointment was announced. He said, “The ocean has been a source of great joy and peace for me when I’m not behind or in front of the camera, and I’m delighted to be part of Protect Where We Play.”“My favorite thing about surfing may be the knowledge that the wave I’m riding has traveled a great distance to reach me. The ocean connects us all.”Slattery described the ocean as something that connects everyone. His comments accompanied his decision to join ‘Protect Where We Play’ as a Team Ocean Captain. The campaign aims to use the reach of sport and entertainment to encourage fans to take an interest in ocean conservation and help protect the places they value.
Sports stars and teams strengthen the ‘Protect Where We Play’ campaign
Slattery joins a group of Team Ocean Captains that includes WNBA player Napheesa Collier, NFL player Kelvin Beachum and MLB player Brent Suter. The roster also features Paralympian Ezra Frech, American ballerina Katherine Barkman and world champion surfer John John Florence.The campaign’s supporters also include the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL, the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, the United States SailGP Team and Team USA Artistic Swimming. Together, the athletes, teams and performers form part of the initiative’s effort to connect cultural influence with action for ocean conservation. The announcement builds on a growing roster of supporters across sport and entertainment industries.
New documentary connects ocean plastic pollution with sport and culture
The Climate Week event at Helen Mills Event Space also included an exclusive preview of Kuleana, a documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson. Georgia Scott and GroundTruth Productions produced the film in partnership with Ocean Conservancy. It examines the ocean plastics crisis in Hawaii through the experiences of elite athletes and explores links between sport, culture and the ocean.Ocean Conservancy executive-produced the documentary and is its exclusive impact partner. The organisation would work with the filmmakers and audiences to encourage action for the ocean. Vice president of ocean plastics, Nicholas Mallos, described plastic pollution as one of the most visible threats facing the ocean and a concern many ocean lovers encounter.