The Gilded Age Cast Profiles: Baranski, Nixon, Coon (2025)

With Season 4 recently renewed, let’s explore the complete the gilded age cast and the talented performers who make this costume drama unforgettable.

Julian Fellowes’ acclaimed HBO period drama The Gilded Age has captivated audiences with its stunning portrayal of 1880s New York society. This sprawling ensemble brings together Broadway stars, Emmy nominees, and acclaimed actors who breathe life into the clash between old money and new money families.

Main Cast Members

The heart of The Gilded Age lies in its extraordinary main cast, who portray complex characters navigating the rigid social hierarchies of Gilded Age era America. These actors deliver performances that have earned the show multiple Emmy nominations and critical acclaim since its premiere in 2022.

Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn

Christine Baranski commands the screen as Agnes van Rhijn, the formidable matriarch who represents everything old money New York stands for. Agnes van Rhijn is a widowed socialite who clings fiercely to tradition, refusing to accept the nouveau riche families attempting to infiltrate her carefully guarded social circle.

Baranski brings decades of experience to this role. The 15-time Emmy nominee is known for playing Diane Lockhart in The Good Fight and Maryann Thorpe in Cybill. Her Broadway credentials include two Tony Awards for The Real Thing and Rumors. Film audiences recognize her from Mamma Mia!, Chicago, and Into the Woods.

In The Gilded Age, Baranski’s portrayal of Agnes shows a woman who isn’t simply stubborn but genuinely believes in preserving social order. Her chemistry with Cynthia Nixon creates some of the show’s most compelling family dynamics. Agnes van Rhijn softens slightly across Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3, particularly in her relationship with niece Marian Brook.

Christine Baranski also currently stars in Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2, showcasing her continued dominance in prestige television. Her work on The Gilded Age earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell

Carrie Coon delivers a powerhouse performance as Bertha Russell, the ambitious wife of railroad tycoon George Russell. Bertha Russell represents the new money families desperately seeking acceptance from Fifth Avenue’s elite. Her determination to break into high society drives much of the series’ central conflict.

Coon’s acting range is remarkable. She appeared in Gone Girl as Margo Dunne, voiced Proxima Midnight in Avengers: Infinity War, and starred in both Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Television audiences know her from her astounding work in The Leftovers as Nora Durst, which earned widespread critical acclaim.

Most recently, Carrie Coon appeared in The White Lotus Season 3 as Laurie, further cementing her status as one of television’s most sought-after dramatic actresses. Her portrayal of Bertha Russell showcases a woman who is simultaneously calculating and vulnerable, using fashion, architecture, and social maneuvering as weapons.

The costume drama allows Coon to wear increasingly elaborate gowns that reflect Bertha’s rising social status. The costume team specifically redesigned Bertha Russell’s aesthetic after Carrie Coon joined the cast, incorporating metallic colors to evoke the burgeoning machine age and her husband’s industrial empire.

Coon received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, recognition well-deserved for her nuanced portrayal of a woman who refuses to accept society’s limitations.

Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook/Forte

Cynthia Nixon portrays Ada Brook, later Ada Forte, the gentle sister of Agnes van Rhijn. Unlike her domineering sister, Ada is kind, non-confrontational, and has lived as a spinster dependent on Agnes’s charity—until Season 2 changes everything.

Nixon’s long partnership with HBO began with Robert Altman’s Tanner ’88 and reached iconic status with her role as Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City. She won the 2004 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for that performance and reprised her role in two films and HBO Max’s And Just Like That.

In The Gilded Age, Ada Brook marries Reverend Luke Forte (Robert Sean Leonard) in Season 2, experiencing happiness before his tragic death from cancer. This storyline gave Nixon powerful material, showing Ada’s transformation from dependent sister to wealthy widow who inherits Luke’s fortune.

By Season 3, Ada and Agnes navigate a shifted power dynamic in their household, with Ada now financially independent. Cynthia Nixon handles this evolution beautifully, maintaining Ada’s essential kindness while showing newfound confidence.

Beyond The Gilded Age, Nixon appeared in Ryan Murphy’s Ratched opposite Sarah Paulson and played Eleanor Roosevelt in HBO’s Warm Springs. She ran for Governor of New York in 2018, demonstrating her commitment to progressive politics.

Morgan Spector as George Russell

Morgan Spector plays George Russell, the ruthless robber baron whose railroad empire finances the Russell family’s social ambitions. While pleasant at home with wife Bertha, George shows no mercy in business, embodying the cutthroat capitalism of the Gilded Age.

George Russell faces challenges from rival tycoons, labor strikes, and even an assassination attempt in Season 3. Spector gives the character layers beyond the typical villain, showing a man who genuinely loves his family while building his fortune through questionable means.

Morgan Spector is known for playing Herman Levin in The Plot Against America, Dante Allen in Homeland, and Frank Capone in Boardwalk Empire. His theater background includes numerous stage performances with his wife, actress Rebecca Hall.

The railroad tycoon character draws inspiration from historical figures like William K. Vanderbilt and other industrial magnates who reshaped American capitalism. Spector captures both the vision and the violence that characterized this era of American business.

Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook

Louisa Jacobson, daughter of Meryl Streep and Don Gummer, makes her television debut as Marian Brook, the series’ protagonist. Marian arrives in New York after her father’s death, moving in with aunts Agnes and Ada while navigating the complex social landscape of 1880s New York.

Marian Brook represents the modern woman emerging in this period—educated, independent-minded, and questioning the rigid rules governing her aunts’ generation. Her friendship with Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) crosses racial boundaries considered shocking for the time.

Jacobson’s theatrical training at Yale School of Drama’s MFA program serves her well in this ensemble cast. She previously appeared in Yale Repertory Theater’s Native Son and The Old Globe’s 2019 Romeo and Juliet.

Romantic storylines dominate much of Marian’s arc. After being jilted by Tom Raikes (Thomas Cocquerel) in Season 1 and rejecting Dashiell Montgomery’s proposal in Season 2, she finds genuine connection with Larry Russell (Harry Richardson). Their engagement in Season 3 bridges the gap between the van Rhijn and Russell households.

Denée Benton as Peggy Scott

Denée Benton portrays Peggy Scott, an ambitious African American writer and journalist who becomes Agnes van Rhijn’s secretary. Peggy attended the prestigious Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia and dreams of making her mark in literature.

Peggy Scott’s storylines explore the African American upper class of the Gilded Age era, a perspective rarely shown in period dramas. Her work with T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones) at the New York Globe highlights Black journalism’s crucial role in fighting for civil rights.

Benton earned a Tony nomination for her performance as Natasha in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway. She also appeared in UnREAL Season 2 as Ruby Carter, showcasing her range across different genres.

The show reveals that Peggy’s father forcibly annulled her marriage and told her that her infant son died—a devastating secret that haunts her character. Season 3 introduces romance with Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), though his mother’s prejudices create obstacles.

Denée Benton’s work on The Gilded Age brings necessary representation to the historical drama genre, ensuring that Black excellence in this era receives proper recognition alongside the white families dominating most narratives.

Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell

Taissa Farmiga plays Gladys Russell, the sheltered daughter of Bertha and George Russell who desperately wants to experience society beyond her mother’s controlling grasp. Gladys dreams of romance and independence but faces her mother’s social ambitions.

Bertha Russell arranges Gladys’s marriage to Hector, the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), despite Gladys’s feelings for Billy Carlton. This forces Gladys into an aristocratic life in England, though Season 3 shows her learning to assert herself against her domineering sister-in-law Lady Sarah Vere (Hattie Morahan).

Taissa Farmiga, sister of Vera Farmiga, is known for playing multiple roles in FX’s American Horror Story, including Violet Harmon in Murder House and Zoe Benson in Coven. She appeared in films like The Bling Ring, The Nun II, and The Final Girls.

Her portrayal of Gladys Russell captures the pain of a young woman used as a pawn in her mother’s social chess game. By Season 3’s conclusion, Gladys is pregnant and reconnected with her beloved lady’s maid Adelheid Weber (Erin Wilhelmi), suggesting newfound happiness despite her arranged marriage.

Harry Richardson as Larry Russell

Australian actor Harry Richardson plays Larry Russell, the Harvard-educated son of Bertha and George Russell. Unlike his ruthless father, Larry possesses a gentle nature and passion for architecture rather than business expansion.

Larry Russell becomes engaged to Marian Brook in Season 3, creating a romantic alliance between the Russell and van Rhijn households. He also partners with footman Jack Trotter (Ben Ahlers) on a revolutionary clock patent, showing business acumen combined with genuine respect for people regardless of class.

Richardson is known for playing Drake Carne in Poldark and Frank Gresham in Julian Fellowes’ earlier series Doctor Thorne. Australian viewers recognize him from Total Control. He also appeared in Dunkirk (2017) as a Private.

The character draws some inspiration from historical architects of the period, including Stanford White, who actually appears as a character in Season 1. Larry’s storyline explores how sons of robber barons often pursued artistic rather than business interests.

Supporting Cast & Recurring Characters

The Gilded Age ensemble extends far beyond the main families, incorporating dozens of memorable supporting characters who enrich the show’s portrayal of Gilded Age society.

Nathan Lane as Ward McAllister

Nathan Lane steals scenes as Ward McAllister, the self-appointed arbiter of New York society who serves as Mrs. Astor’s right-hand man. The real Ward McAllister coined the term “The Four Hundred,” referring to the number of people who truly mattered in New York high society.

Lane’s legendary career includes starring in The Birdcage (1996), voicing Timon in The Lion King (1994), and winning a Tony Award for The Producers. Recent television work includes Teddy Dimas in Only Murders in the Building and Dominick Dunne in Netflix’s Monsters.

Ward McAllister provides comic relief while also embodying the era’s rigid social codes. His relationship with Bertha Russell evolves from skepticism to cautious alliance, recognizing that new money families cannot be ignored forever.

Audra McDonald as Dorothy Scott

Broadway legend Audra McDonald portrays Dorothy Scott, Peggy’s mother who desperately wants to reconcile with her daughter. Dorothy holds secrets about Peggy’s past that create tension between them.

McDonald holds the record for most Tony Award performance wins—six total—making her Broadway royalty. She appeared alongside Christine Baranski in The Good Fight as Liz Reddick and played Dr. Naomi Bennett in Private Practice.

Recent film work includes Ella Baker in Rustin (2023) and Miss Hale in Ava DuVernay’s Origin (2023). She voiced Madame Garderobe in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017).

Dorothy Scott’s character shows the complexities within the African American upper class, where respectability politics and protecting family reputation could override individual happiness. Audra McDonald brings tremendous dignity to this role.

Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn

Blake Ritson plays Oscar van Rhijn, Agnes’s charismatic but financially irresponsible son. Oscar must find a wealthy wife to maintain his lifestyle while hiding his homosexuality—a dangerous secret in 1880s New York.

Oscar’s storylines explore the Victorian era’s harsh treatment of LGBTQ individuals. His relationship with John Adams (Claybourne Elder) ends tragically when Adams dies in a carriage accident in Season 3. Later, Oscar proposes a marriage of convenience to the widowed Mrs. Winterton (Kelley Curran).

British actor Ritson is known for playing Girolamo Riario in Da Vinci’s Demons, Andrew Galley in The Crown, and Morgan Ward in Interview with the Vampire. He also directs short films with his brother Dylan.

By Season 3’s end, Oscar has lost the van Rhijn fortune through a bad investment but finds unexpected inheritance from John Adams, suggesting future storylines about reclaiming his position.

Jack Gilpin as Church

Jack Gilpin portrays Church, the Russell family’s loyal American butler who runs their household with military precision. Church supports Bertha Russell’s ambitions and maintains order among the servants, serving as counterpart to Bannister (Simon Jones), the van Rhijns’ English butler.

Gilpin is a recognizable character actor who appeared in Adventureland (2009) as Mr. Brennan, 21 (2008) as Bob Phillips, and voiced one of the Hun twins in Disney’s animated Mulan (1998). He played Tom Wambsgans’s father in Succession Season 1 and is part of Showtime’s Billions cast.

Church’s no-nonsense approach and dedication create some of the show’s most touching moments, particularly his friendship with Chef Borden (Douglas Sills) and his grief over his wife’s death anniversary.

Ben Ahlers as Jack Trotter

Ben Ahlers portrays John “Jack” Trotter, the van Rhijn household footman who invents a revolutionary oil-free clock mechanism. Jack’s patent sale makes him suddenly wealthy, fundamentally changing his position.

Ahlers recently appeared in The Last of Us Season 2 and previously played Lucas Hunt in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Liam in The Village, and Brad Kirchoff in When the Streetlights Go On.

Jack’s journey from servant to wealthy inventor explores class mobility during the Gilded Age. His growing relationship with housemaid Bridget (Taylor Richardson) takes on new dimensions once he achieves financial independence. By Season 3’s conclusion, Jack owns a house on 61st Street, near his former employers.

Kelli O’Hara as Aurora Fane

Broadway star Kelli O’Hara plays Aurora Fane, Agnes’s niece by marriage who helps both Marian Brook and Bertha Russell navigate society. Aurora represents a bridge between old and new money families.

Season 3 brings Aurora devastating news—her husband Charles wants a divorce, a scandalous situation that threatens her social standing. O’Hara handles this storyline with grace, showing Aurora’s strength amid personal crisis.

O’Hara won a Tony Award for The King and I and appeared in All the Bright Places (2020) as Sheryl and 13 Reasons Why as Jackie. Her extensive Broadway credits make her perfectly suited for this period drama.

Season 3 New Additions (2025)

The third season of The Gilded Age, which premiered in 2025, joins the cast with several notable additions who expand the show’s scope and introduce new conflicts.

Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan

Bill Camp makes a formidable entrance as J.P. Morgan, the legendary financier who becomes George Russell’s rival and sometimes ally. The real J.P. Morgan dominated American finance during the Gilded Age, making him a natural antagonist for Russell’s railroad ambitions.

Camp is known for playing Redburn in 12 Years a Slave (2013), Matthew Williams in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), and Vampiro in Sound of Freedom (2023). He also appeared in the Oscar-winning Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014).

J.P. Morgan’s appearance in Season 3 creates high-stakes business drama as he forces George Russell and other tycoons to cooperate on railroad expansion. The historical figure’s immense power makes him a fascinating addition to the show’s ensemble cast.

Merritt Wever as Monica O’Brien

Merritt Wever portrays Monica O’Brien, Bertha Russell’s sister who arrives in Episode 4 for Gladys’s wedding to the Duke of Buckingham. Monica comes from humbler circumstances and hasn’t embraced her sister’s obsession with wealth and status.

Carrie Coon praised Wever’s performance, noting “She’s so deeply truthful” in bringing authenticity to this contrasting character. The sisterly dynamic reveals Bertha’s origins and motivations.

Wever recently appeared in Severance Season 2 as Gretchen George on Apple TV+. She’s known for playing Anna in Michael Clayton (2007), Tracey Abernathy in Signs (2002), and Annie in Birdman. Other notable work includes Frankie Pierce in Tiny Beautiful Things (2023) and Olivia in Memory (2023).

Hattie Morahan as Lady Sarah Vere

Hattie Morahan plays Lady Sarah Vere, the Duke of Buckingham’s formidable sister who initially dominates Gladys Russell when she arrives at their English estate. Lady Sarah represents old British aristocracy’s disdain for American new money.

Season 3 shows Gladys learning to assert herself against Lady Sarah’s bullying, ultimately forcing her sister-in-law to relocate to London. Bertha Russell travels to England to ensure her daughter receives proper respect.

Morahan is known for playing Agathe in Beauty and the Beast (2017), Gale Benson in The Bank Job (2008), Ann Kelmot in Mr. Holmes (2015), and Sister Clara in The Golden Compass (2007).

Jordan Donica as Dr. William Kirkland

Jordan Donica joins the cast as Dr. William Kirkland, a Black physician who treats Peggy Scott when she nearly develops pneumonia in early Season 3 episodes. His kindness sparks romantic interest, though his mother Elizabeth Kirkland’s (Phylicia Rashad) prejudices create obstacles.

Donica appeared as Jordan Chase in Charmed, Joshua Taylor in Blue Bloods, and in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. His theater background serves him well in this Broadway star-laden ensemble.

Dr. Kirkland represents the educated Black professional class that emerged after the Civil War, providing Peggy with a romantic interest from her own social sphere—something her parents strongly prefer.

Phylicia Rashad as Elizabeth Kirkland

Phylicia Rashad portrays Elizabeth Kirkland, Dr. Kirkland’s mother from a prominent Newport family with ties to the American Revolution. Despite her own Black heritage, Elizabeth holds classist views and initially disapproves of Peggy because of her father’s past as an enslaved person.

Rashad is known for playing Clair Huxtable in The Cosby Show and Mary Anne Creed in Creed (2015) and Creed II (2018). She also appeared in For Colored Girls (2010) as Gilda.

Elizabeth Kirkland’s character complicates discussions of race and class within the African American upper class, showing how respectability politics and generational trauma shaped this community.

Additional Season 3 Cast Members

• Andrea Martin guest stars as Madame Dashkova, a fraudulent psychic medium whom Ada consults to contact her late husband Luke. Martin is known for playing Aunt Voula in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding films, Sister Andrea in Evil, and Joy Payne in Only Murders in the Building.
• Bobby Steggert portrays painter John Singer Sargent, who appears to paint Gladys Russell’s portrait before her wedding. The real Sargent famously painted high society portraits during this era.
• LisaGay Hamilton plays poet and activist Frances Watkins Harper, whom Peggy interviews. The real Harper was a pioneering Black writer and suffragist.
• Victoria Clark, Dylan Baker, Kate Baldwin, and Paul Alexander Nolan also join the cast in various roles that expand the show’s portrayal of Newport society and New York business circles.

Cast Awards & Recognition

The Gilded Age cast has received significant recognition from the television industry, validating Julian Fellowes’ vision and the performers’ exceptional work.

Emmy Nominations and Wins

At the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, The Gilded Age Season 2 received six Emmy nominations, including:

• Outstanding Drama Series
• Carrie Coon – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
• Christine Baranski – Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
• Outstanding Costumes for a Period or Fantasy Series
• Outstanding Main Title Design

While the series didn’t win in the major acting categories, the nominations themselves represent significant achievement given the competitive drama series landscape.

Tony Awards and Broadway Pedigree

The Gilded Age cast boasts an extraordinary concentration of Tony Award winners and nominees, bringing theatrical gravitas to the costume drama:

Tony Award Winners:

• Christine Baranski (2 wins)
• Audra McDonald (6 wins – record holder)
• Nathan Lane (3 wins)
• Donna Murphy (2 wins)
• Kelli O’Hara (2 wins)
• Celia Keenan-Bolger (1 win)
• Michael Cerveris (2 wins)
• Bill Irwin (1 win)
• Debra Monk (1 win)

Tony Nominees:

• Denée Benton
• Patrick Page
• Douglas Sills
• John Douglas Thompson
• Linda Emond (3 nominations)
• Kristine Nielsen (2 nominations)
• Katie Finneran (multiple wins and nominations)

This unprecedented collection of Broadway stars elevates the show’s dialogue delivery and theatrical staging, creating performances that feel simultaneously authentic to the 1880s and compelling for modern audiences.

Additional Honors

Cynthia Nixon previously won an Emmy for her iconic role as Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City. Carrie Coon received widespread critical acclaim for The Leftovers, though that show was notoriously under-recognized by awards bodies.

The costume drama itself won praise from critics, with Season 1 holding a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Season 2 improving to 94%, with critics noting the show “enters its own halcyon age.”

Behind The Scenes: Casting Choices

The creation of The Gilded Age ensemble cast involved fascinating decisions that shaped the show’s success.

From NBC to HBO

Originally announced for NBC in 2018, the series moved to HBO in May 2019, receiving a straight-to-series order. This network change influenced casting, allowing for a more prestigious ensemble and higher production values suited to HBO’s reputation.

The Bertha Russell Recasting

Amanda Peet was originally cast as Bertha Russell, but COVID-19 pandemic delays led to her departure. Carrie Coon replaced her in April 2020, fundamentally changing the character’s conception.

The costume team completely redesigned Bertha’s aesthetic after Coon joined. Costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone explained that Peet would have worn different styles, but Coon’s presence inspired more metallic, machine-age influenced costumes reflecting her character’s modernity and ambition.

This serendipitous recasting proved ideal—Carrie Coon’s intensity and theatrical training perfectly capture Bertha Russell’s determination.

Broadway Connections

Julian Fellowes deliberately sought Broadway stars for The Gilded Age, recognizing that theatrical training brings essential skills for period drama: precise diction, physical awareness of costume and movement, and ability to handle complex dialogue.

The show’s connection to theater extends beyond casting. Many episodes feature operatic performances, charity benefits, and social gatherings where theatrical presentation matters enormously to the characters.

Diversity and Historical Accuracy

Fellowes worked with historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar to ensure authentic representation of the African American upper class. Casting Denée Benton, Audra McDonald, John Douglas Thompson, and other Black actors in substantial roles corrects the historical erasure common in period dramas.

The show depicts real figures like T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones), Booker T. Washington (Michael Braugher), Clara Barton (Linda Emond), and Sarah J. Garnet (Melanie Nicholls-King), ensuring historical accuracy alongside fictional characters.

International Casting

The show features actors from Britain (Blake Ritson, Simon Jones, Hattie Morahan, Ben Lamb), Australia (Harry Richardson, Thomas Cocquerel), and Canada (Kelley Curran), creating an authentic international flavor appropriate for a story about America’s emergence on the world stage.

Family Connections

Several cast members bring interesting family backgrounds:

• Louisa Jacobson is Meryl Streep’s daughter
• Taissa Farmiga is sister to Vera Farmiga
• Jack Gilpin is father to actress Betty Gilpin (GLOW, The Hunt)

Downton Abbey Connections

Given Julian Fellowes’ creation of both Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, some cast members have connections to the earlier series:

• Simon Jones appeared in the Downton Abbey (2019) film as King George V
• Harry Richardson previously worked with Fellowes on Doctor Thorne
• The same theatrical approach to casting ensemble pieces applies to both shows

Filming Locations and Production

Understanding where The Gilded Age films adds context to the cast’s performances in historically accurate settings.

Newport Mansions

Filming in Newport, Rhode Island uses actual Gilded Age mansions:

• The Breakers (Vanderbilt summer “cottage”)
• Chateau-sur-Mer
• The Elms
• Kingscote (for Susan Blane’s home in Season 2)

These authentic locations help the cast inhabit their roles, surrounded by genuine Victorian era architecture and furnishings.

New York Filming Locations

The production films throughout New York state:

• Troy’s Central Troy Historic District transformed into 1880s streets
• Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown
• Hudson River Museum in Yonkers
• Manhattanville College’s Reid Hall in White Plains (designed by Stanford White in 1892)
• Albany and Cohoes for various scenes

Long Island Backlot

A period-accurate street backlot near Old Bethpage, New York serves as the show’s primary filming location for Fifth Avenue scenes, allowing complete control over the historical environment.

Philadelphia Scenes

Peggy Scott’s storylines required authentic filming in Philadelphia, where her character attended the Institute for Colored Youth and where her family maintains their pharmacy.

Character Development Across Seasons

Season 1: Establishing the World (2022)

Season 1 introduced the core conflict between Agnes van Rhijn’s old money resistance and Bertha Russell’s new money ambition. Key developments:

• Marian Brook arrives in New York and befriends Peggy Scott
• Bertha’s famous ball fails when Mrs. Astor and the elite refuse to attend
• Oscar van Rhijn courts Gladys Russell for her money
• Peggy discovers her infant son didn’t die as her father claimed
• Tom Raikes jilts Marian at the altar to marry an heiress
• George Russell faces trial over a train derailment

Season 2: The Opera War (2023)

Season 2 centered on Bertha Russell’s campaign to establish the Metropolitan Opera as rival to the Academy of Music, symbolizing new money’s challenge to old money institutions:

• Ada Brook marries Reverend Luke Forte but he dies of cancer
• Bertha wins the “Opera War” when most of society chooses the Met
• Larry Russell and Marian Brook share their first kiss
• Oscar loses the van Rhijn fortune in a bad investment
• Gladys Russell prepares for her debutante ball
• The Duke of Buckingham arrives, setting up Gladys’s future

Season 3: Marriages and Empires (2025)

Season 3 explores the consequences of Season 2’s events:

• Gladys Russell reluctantly marries the Duke of Buckingham
• George Russell survives an assassination attempt
• Larry Russell proposes to Marian Brook
• Jack Trotter becomes wealthy from his clock patent
• Peggy Scott meets Dr. Kirkland but faces his mother’s prejudice
• Bertha travels to England to protect Gladys
• Oscar enters a marriage of convenience with Mrs. Winterton
• George and Bertha’s marriage faces strain

Season 4: What’s Next? (2026 and Beyond)

HBO renewed The Gilded Age for Season 4 in July 2025, ensuring the story continues. Potential storylines include:

• Marian and Larry’s wedding
• Gladys’s pregnancy and life as a duchess
• Peggy and Dr. Kirkland’s romance developing
• George Russell’s transcontinental railroad completion
• Oscar and Mrs. Winterton’s unusual marriage
• New challenges to Bertha’s hard-won social position

The Gilded Age Cast vs. Downton Abbey Cast

Fans naturally compare The Gilded Age to Julian Fellowes’ earlier triumph, Downton Abbey. While both are period dramas about social hierarchies, key differences exist:

Setting and Theme

• Downton Abbey: English country estate, established aristocracy (1912-1925)
• The Gilded Age: New York City, emerging American capitalism (1880s)

Cast Size and Structure

Both shows feature sprawling ensembles mixing upstairs and downstairs characters. However, The Gilded Age splits focus between two rival families (Russell and van Rhijn), while Downton Abbey centered on one estate.

The Gilded Age Cast FAQ

Who are the main cast members of The Gilded Age?

The main cast of The Gilded Age features Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn, Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook/Forte, Morgan Spector as George Russell, Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook, Denée Benton as Peggy Scott, Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell, and Harry Richardson as Larry Russell. These primary performers anchor the HBO series across all seasons and episodes, with each portraying central figures in the 1880s New York social landscape. Nathan Lane as Ward McAllister and Audra McDonald as Dorothy Scott round out the core ensemble in major recurring roles.

Is The Gilded Age related to Downton Abbey?

Yes, The Gilded Age shares creator Julian Fellowes with Downton Abbey, and both shows explore class dynamics in historical settings through sprawling ensemble casts. While Downton Abbey focused on early 20th-century British aristocracy, The Gilded Age examines Gilded Age era American high society. The shows share similar narrative structures, attention to costume drama detail, and interest in old money vs new money conflicts. Fans of Downton Abbey typically appreciate The Gilded Age’s comparable approach to period drama storytelling, though the American setting creates distinctly different social dynamics centered on robber baron capitalism rather than inherited titles.

Has The Gilded Age been renewed for Season 4?

As of early 2025, HBO officially renewed The Gilged Age for Season 4 following strong viewership for Season 3. The renewal announcement came shortly after the Season 3 premiere, with production expected to begin later in 2025. HBO Max executives praised the show’s consistent performance and critical acclaim, noting the stacked cast and Julian Fellowes’ storytelling as key factors in the decision. Season 4 is anticipated to premiere in 2026, continuing the story of the van Rhijn and Russell families navigating Fifth Avenue society.

Who plays Agnes van Rhijn in The Gilded Age?

Christine Baranski plays the role of Agnes van Rhijn, the formidable matriarch defending old money traditions against new money upstarts. Baranski, a Tony Award winner and veteran of The Good Fight and Broadway, brings decades of experience to this commanding character. Agnes serves as the primary antagonist to Carrie Coon’s Bertha Russell, creating the central conflict driving much of the society drama. Baranski’s performance has earned Emmy nominations and critical praise for capturing Agnes’s complexity—a woman clinging to disappearing social structures while revealing vulnerability beneath her aristocratic facade.

What other shows has the cast appeared in?

The Gilded Age cast features performers with extensive television, film, and Broadway credits. Christine Baranski is known for playing Diane Lockhart in The Good Fight and The Good Wife, while Cynthia Nixon achieved fame as Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City. Carrie Coon appeared in The Leftovers and Fargo, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Nathan Lane has countless Broadway roles plus appearances in Modern Family and various films. Audra McDonald, holder of six Tony Awards, holds the record for most competitive Tony wins. Morgan Spector had notable roles in Homeland and Pearson. Denée Benton starred in the Broadway production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.

Who is Bill Camp playing in Season 3?

Bill Camp joins the cast in Season 3 to portray J.P. Morgan, the legendary financier and banker who dominated American finance during the Gilded Age. This casting of a significant historical figure marks the show’s expansion into depicting real-world power brokers who shaped the era. Camp, an Emmy-nominated character actor known for roles in The Night Of, The Outsider, and News of the World, brings gravitas to Morgan’s portrayal. His character’s introduction in Season 3 suggests storylines involving high finance, the Russell family’s railroad empire, and the concentration of wealth that defined the robber baron era.

Where can I watch The Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age streams exclusively on HBO Max (now simply called MAX in some markets) and airs on HBO’s traditional cable channel. All episodes from Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3 are available for streaming on the platform. The series is part of HBO’s premium content strategy, requiring a subscription to access. International availability varies by region, with some territories receiving the show through local HBO partnerships or other streaming services that license HBO content. The show is not available on competing platforms like Netflix or Hulu.

Is The Gilded Age based on a true story?

The Gilded Age blends fictional characters with real historical figures and authentic period details from 1880s New York. While the van Rhijn and Russell families are fictional creations, they represent composite portraits of actual old money families and new money railroad tycoons from the era. Characters like Ward McAllister (played by Nathan Lane) and J.P. Morgan (played by Bill Camp) were real people. The show depicts actual locations like Newport mansions and Fifth Avenue estates, real social customs, and historical events. Julian Fellowes conducts extensive research to ensure period authenticity while crafting dramatic storylines around invented characters.

How many seasons of The Gilded Age are planned?

HBO has not announced a definitive endpoint for The Gilded Age, though creator Julian Fellowes has suggested he envisions multiple seasons covering the evolution of American society from the 1880s into the early 20th century. With Season 4 confirmed for production in 2025, the show has proven successful enough to continue. Fellowes has indicated the Gilded Age era offers decades of historical material to explore, potentially allowing the series to run as long as Downton Abbey, which produced six seasons plus subsequent films. The sprawling ensemble and historical drama format support extended storytelling across numerous seasons.

Why is it called The Gilded Age?

The term “Gilded Age” comes from an 1873 novel by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner satirizing the era’s superficial opulence masking social problems. “Gilded” means covered in gold leaf—beautiful on the surface but concealing cheaper material underneath. The phrase perfectly captures the period from roughly 1870-1900, when industrial robber barons amassed unprecedented fortunes, constructed Newport mansions and Fifth Avenue palaces, while workers faced exploitation and immigrants crowded tenements. Julian Fellowes chose this title to emphasize the show’s exploration of surface glamour versus underlying social tensions, the old money vs new money battles, and the contradictions defining late 19th-century American capitalism.

Who are the new cast members in Season 3?

Season 3 in 2025 welcomed several significant new cast members to the production. Bill Camp joins the cast as J.P. Morgan, while Merritt Wever plays Monica O’Brien, a character whose specific role remains somewhat mysterious in early episodes. Additional Season 3 additions include several actors portraying historical society figures and business associates of the Russell family. HBO strategically announced new cast members through press releases emphasizing their credentials—nearly all are Emmy or Tony Award nominees or winners, maintaining the show’s pattern of casting acclaimed theater and television performers. These additions reflect the show’s expanding narrative scope as it delves deeper into Gilded Age power structures.

What awards has The Gilded Age won?

The Gilded Age has received numerous Emmy nominations across categories including Outstanding Drama Series, acting nominations for Christine Baranski, Carrie Coon, and Cynthia Nixon, plus extensive recognition for costume design, production design, and hairstyling. The show’s costume drama elements earned multiple wins for period-appropriate wardrobe creation. At the Primetime Emmy Awards, the series has competed in major categories while dominating technical and design categories where period drama typically excels. Cast members’ previous Tony Award wins and Emmy victories add to the collective accolades, though the show itself is still building its awards legacy compared to more established series.

Are there real historical figures in the show?

Yes, The Gilded Age incorporates several real historical figures alongside fictional characters. Ward McAllister, played by Nathan Lane, was the actual social arbiter who created the “Four Hundred”—the list of New York’s most socially acceptable families. Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy), the undisputed queen of 1880s New York society, appears as a recurring character. Season 3 introduces J.P. Morgan (Bill Camp), perhaps the era’s most powerful financier. The show also references figures like the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other prominent families, sometimes showing them directly, other times using them as off-screen presences shaping the social landscape the fictional characters navigate.

How accurate is The Gilded Age historically?

The Gilded Age maintains strong historical accuracy in depicting 1880s New York social customs, fashion, architecture, and class dynamics, though it takes creative liberties with specific events and timelines. Costumes and sets draw from extensive period research, accurately representing Fifth Avenue townhouses and Newport mansions. Social protocols shown—calling cards, dinner party hierarchies, dress codes—reflect actual practices. The old money vs new money conflict authentically represents tensions of the era. However, Julian Fellowes compresses timelines, creates composite characters, and occasionally adjusts historical details for dramatic purposes. The show’s depiction of African American characters includes both historically grounded elements and more progressive positioning than was typical.

Will there be a Gilded Age movie?

HBO has not announced plans for a Gilded Age movie, focusing instead on the series format through Season 4 and potential subsequent seasons. Unlike Downton Abbey, which transitioned to feature films after its television run concluded, The Gilded Age remains in active television production. However, given HBO Max’s (MAX) strategy of creating film extensions for successful series, a movie remains possible if the show concludes its television run while maintaining strong viewership. Julian Fellowes successfully transitioned Downton Abbey to film format, suggesting he could envision similar treatment for The Gilded Age if circumstances align.

How can I audition for The Gilded Age?

Casting for The Gilded Age occurs through professional casting directors Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield of Telsey + Company. Auditions typically happen through talent agents submitting clients for specific roles announced through industry breakdowns. For background and extra work, HBO works with regional casting companies in New York, where the show primarily films. Aspiring actors should maintain relationships with reputable agents, monitor casting notices through resources like Actors Access and Backstage, and build credits demonstrating ability to handle period drama material. The show prioritizes actors with theatrical experience, particularly those comfortable with heightened language and costume drama requirements.

What is the setting of The Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age is set primarily in 1880s New York, specifically in the upscale neighborhoods of Fifth Avenue Manhattan and the summer resort community of Newport, Rhode Island. The show depicts the Gilded Age era roughly spanning 1882-1890s, during rapid American industrial expansion and extreme wealth concentration. Settings include opulent townhouses, servants’ quarters, Newport mansions where the wealthy summered, and occasionally other locations like downtown offices and working-class neighborhoods. The production recreated period New York through a combination of on-location filming in preserved historical buildings, constructed sets, and CGI enhancement to show 1880s streetscapes before modern development transformed the city.

Why did Julian Fellowes create The Gilded Age?

Julian Fellowes created The Gilded Age to explore American class dynamics during a transformative historical period, fulfilling a long-held interest in how new money challenged old money establishments. After Downton Abbey’s success examining British class structures, Fellowes wanted to investigate similar themes in the American context, where social mobility theoretically existed but rigid barriers persisted. The Gilded Age era offered perfect dramatic material: vast wealth disparities, rapid technological change, cultural conflicts between established families and railroad tycoon upstarts, and questions about American identity still resonating today. Fellowes saw parallels between Gilded Age wealth concentration and contemporary economic inequality, making the historical drama relevant to modern audiences.

Is The Gilded Age suitable for children?

The Gilded Age carries a TV-PG to TV-14 rating depending on specific episodes, making it generally appropriate for teenagers but potentially unsuitable for younger children. The period drama contains mature themes including financial manipulation, social cruelty, arranged marriages, adultery, and occasionally references to violence, though graphic content remains minimal. Language is period-appropriate and mild by contemporary standards. The show’s deliberate pacing and dialogue-heavy scenes may bore younger viewers unfamiliar with costume drama conventions. Families should preview content to determine age-appropriateness, as individual episodes vary. The show lacks the explicit sexual content or graphic violence common in other HBO series, making it among the network’s more family-friendly offerings.

Where is The Gilded Age filmed?

The Gilded Age films primarily in the Newport, Rhode Island area and various New York locations, utilizing authentic Gilded Age era architecture where possible. Many Newport mansions—including The Breakers, Marble House, and other preserved estates—serve as filming locations, providing genuine period settings. Troy, New York substitutes for 1880s Manhattan in many street scenes, as its 19th-century architecture remains largely intact. Some interior scenes film on soundstages in New York studios where detailed period sets recreate Fifth Avenue townhouse rooms. The production also uses Providence, Rhode Island and other Northeast locations with preserved Victorian-era buildings. This location strategy provides authentic period atmosphere while managing budget considerations.

Conclusion

The Gilded Age stands as a testament to the power of exceptional ensemble casting in bringing historical drama to life. From Christine Baranski’s commanding presence as Agnes van Rhijn to Carrie Coon’s layered portrayal of Bertha Russell, every casting choice reflects Julian Fellowes’ vision of 1880s New York as a battleground where old money vs new money conflicts shaped American society.

The HBO series has successfully assembled a stacked cast of Tony Award winners, Emmy nominees, and respected character actors who bring authenticity to the Gilded Age era. Broadway stars like Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, and Christine Baranski deliver the theatrical presence necessary for heightened period drama, while television veterans like Cynthia Nixon and Morgan Spector ground their performances in naturalistic detail. This balance between theatrical grandeur and intimate character work elevates the costume drama beyond superficial spectacle.

As The Gilded Age continues through Season 3 and into the confirmed Season 4, new additions like Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan and Merritt Wever as Monica O’Brien demonstrate HBO Max’s commitment to maintaining casting quality. These new cast members join an already sprawling ensemble that has made the show essential viewing for fans of Downton Abbey, historical drama, and character-driven storytelling.

The series’ exploration of railroad tycoons, robber barons, Newport mansions, and Fifth Avenue society provides more than entertainment—it offers insights into American class structures, racial dynamics, and economic systems that continue shaping contemporary life. The cast’s dedication to portraying these complex historical and fictional figures with nuance ensures The Gilded Age returns as one of prestige television’s most accomplished period dramas.

Whether you’re drawn to the show for its meticulous recreation of the Gilded Age, its exploration of society drama, or simply the pleasure of watching master performers at work, The Gilded Age cast delivers on every level. From main characters navigating social warfare to supporting roles bringing depth to every scene, this is ensemble television at its finest—a worthy successor to Downton Abbey and a distinctly American examination of power, privilege, and progress during one of history’s most transformative eras.