The Gilded Age Cast Members | Behind the Characters and Their Real-Life Stories

Explore the talented cast of HBO’s The Gilded Age and discover in-depth details about their characters, careers, and the historical backdrop. A full guide for U.S. audiences.

Introduction to The Gilded Age Series

HBO’s The Gilded Age is a period drama set in 1880s New York, chronicling the lives of the elite and emerging wealthy class during America’s rapid economic transformation. Created by Julian Fellowes, the show masterfully blends real historical events with fictional narratives. Central to its acclaim is the exceptional cast, who bring the opulence and tensions of the era to life.

Overview of the Main Cast of The Gilded Age

The show features a remarkable ensemble cast of acclaimed actors, each portraying complex characters navigating societal shifts.

Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell

Carrie Coon plays Bertha Russell, a determined and ambitious woman striving to gain social acceptance among old-money elites. Known for her powerful performances in The Leftovers and Fargo, Coon brings depth and assertiveness to the role of a nouveau riche matriarch.

Morgan Spector as George Russell

Spector portrays George Russell, a railroad tycoon with immense wealth and a commanding presence. His character symbolizes the rising industrial class that challenged the traditional social order.

Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook

Louisa Jacobson (daughter of Meryl Streep) plays Marian Brook, a young woman caught between tradition and progress. Her portrayal brings innocence, curiosity, and strength as she adjusts to life among New York’s upper class.

Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn

Veteran actress Christine Baranski plays Agnes, an embodiment of old-money values. With her sharp wit and commanding performance, Baranski offers a powerful contrast to the new social climbers.

Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook

Cynthia Nixon plays Ada, Marian’s kind-hearted aunt, who provides emotional warmth and balance to the stern Agnes. Nixon is best known for her role in Sex and the City and brings vulnerability and charm to this period role.

Supporting and Recurring Cast Members

Denée Benton as Peggy Scott

Denée Benton stars as Peggy, a talented African American writer striving for professional and personal freedom. Her role adds an important narrative on race, class, and gender in 19th-century America.H3: Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn

Blake Ritson plays Oscar, Agnes’s son, who conceals his sexuality while trying to navigate societal expectations. His nuanced portrayal highlights the personal costs of conforming to rigid norms.

Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell

Gladys, played by Taissa Farmiga, is Bertha and George’s daughter. She symbolizes the new generation pushing against parental and societal control.

Simon Jones as Bannister and Harry Richardson as Larry Russell

Bannister is the head butler for the van Rhijn household, adding layers of subtle power dynamics within the household. Larry Russell, played by Harry Richardson, is the ambitious son of George and Bertha, exploring architecture and romance.

Notable Guest Appearances and Historical Figures

The Gilded Age also features portrayals of real-life figures like Clara Barton and Ward McAllister. These guest appearances bridge the fictional story with historical authenticity, reflecting the true Gilded Age’s influential figures.

Why the Cast of The Gilded Age Stands Out

• The blend of Emmy and Tony award-winning actors adds gravitas to the series.
• Casting includes both screen legends and rising stars, offering a fresh dynamic.
• Authentic performances rooted in period-appropriate dialogue and attire enhance realism.
• Representation of racial, class, and gender struggles through diverse characters.

Historical Accuracy and Character Research

Most actors underwent extensive historical research and costume training:

• Period-specific dialect coaching
• Study of historical figures and etiquette
• Collaboration with historians and costume designers

This attention to detail has been praised for immersing the audience in the world of the 1880s.

Season Developments and Character Arcs

The characters evolve with New York society, often caught between tradition and change:

• Bertha’s social battles reflect real struggles faced by the nouveau riche.
• Marian’s relationship dilemmas highlight the era’s rigid gender norms.
• Peggy’s storyline sheds light on early African American journalists and middle-class life.

The Impact of Casting Choices on Reception

Casting plays a major role in the show’s success:

• Carrie Coon’s portrayal is considered a standout, gaining praise for emotional range.
• The chemistry between actors adds credibility and richness.
• Multi-generational representation appeals to a broad audience base.

Official Trailer and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

To explore more about the cast and production:

• Official HBO Page for The Gilded Age
• IMDb Cast List and Full Credits

FAQs about The Gilded Age Cast

Who plays Bertha Russell in The Gilded Age?
Carrie Coon portrays Bertha Russell, a socially ambitious woman and one of the central figures in the series.

Is Louisa Jacobson related to Meryl Streep?
Yes, Louisa Jacobson is Meryl Streep’s daughter and has received acclaim for her role as Marian Brook.

Who plays the wealthy railroad tycoon in the show?
Morgan Spector plays George Russell, the wealthy railroad magnate.

Which actress plays Agnes van Rhijn?
Christine Baranski takes on the role of Agnes, the conservative aunt and societal gatekeeper.

Is Peggy Scott based on a real person?
While Peggy Scott is a fictional character, her experiences are inspired by real African American women journalists of the time.

Where is The Gilded Age filmed?
Much of the series is filmed in Rhode Island and New York to replicate the grandeur of 19th-century Manhattan.

Does the show include real historical figures?
Yes, characters like Clara Barton and Ward McAllister are real historical figures depicted in the series.

Is The Gilded Age a spin-off of Downton Abbey?
No, but both series were created by Julian Fellowes and share similar themes of class and societal change.

What time period is the show set in?
The show is set in the 1880s during America’s economic boom and social transformation.

Has the cast won any awards for their roles?
While the show has earned nominations, many cast members are award-winning actors in their own right from past work.

Is a third season confirmed?
As of mid-2025, HBO has announced a third season is in development.

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