Jon Hamm has revealed he wants a real-life Minion after starring in the spin-off movie about the yellow creatures.

The Mad Men star, who voices inventor Herb Overkill in Minions, admitted he has fallen in love with the little beings, who were first introduced to audiences in the Despicable Me films.

“They’re like toys, they’re fascinating little creatures. Don’t you want one to live in your life, or under your desk to do stuff? They could fetch you a can of Coke or take out the trash,” he said.

Minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob
Minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob (Universal Pictures/Illumination Entertainment)

Jon’s character Herb is the husband of villainess Scarlet Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock.

It was love at first sight for the Minions and the 44-year-old actor, best known for playing advertising executive Don Draper in Mad Men.

“I saw both Despicable Mes on planes and I was that guy with headphones on laughing way too loud. That’s how I was introduced to these yellow Minions,” he recalled.

“So when I was asked to be a part of the project, I was super honoured and thrilled. Not only is it a very funny movie and franchise, but it’s so creative and original. I was thrilled to be asked to play in the sandbox.”

Jon said he wasn’t looking for a lighter role after Mad Men, which bowed out in May after its seventh series.

January Jones, Jon Hamm and Christina Hendricks
Jon Hamm with his Mad Men stars January Jones and Christina Hendricks (Todd Williamson/Invision/AP Images)

“When something like this comes along and they ask you to be a part of it, and you happen to be a fan of it, I just got lucky,” he explained.

“It is nice to work on something that’s light and funny and family-oriented rather than dark and heavy and a little more mature but I don’t pick one from column A and then one from column B, and consciously go back and forth.

He added: “It’s just whatever is out there. I’m very fortunate to have credibility in both sides of the game, but I’m also very aware that it’s not easy and I’m very fortunate.”

Minions is in cinemas now.