Set in 1880s New York City, the new HBO period drama The Gilded Age portrays the lives of the high-society elite in the titular era (aka, the last couple decades of the 1800s). Created by Downton Abbeycreator, Julian Fellowes, the show boasts a stacked cast, complete with an intriguing mix of seasoned actors and newcomers. Despite drawing some inevitable comparisons to the popular show Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age feels like a breath of fresh air and stands firmly on its own, thanks in part to the spectacular casting of its stars. And so if, like the rest of us, you're fascinated to learn more about the eclectic actors behind these roles, read on for a sneak peek of the star-studded cast of The Gilded Age.
The Emmy-winning actress Baranski plays Agnes van Rhijn, a proud and rigid New York City aristocrat who's set in her ways and ideologies. The talented actor's previous noteworthy acting credits include The Good Wife, Frasier, The Good Fight, Mamma Mia!, and more. Her brief but scene-stealing recurring character of Dr. Beverly Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theoryand her voice acting in BoJack Horseman, Family Guy, and The Simpsons show her incredible versatility.
The Sex and the Cityfame Cynthia Nixon takes on the role of Ada Brook, Agnes's "spinster" sister, who's at her elder sibling's mercy because she never married into money. Seemingly timid and non-confrontational, Ada welcomes change with a warm embrace, unlike her sister. Nixon is currently starring in Ses and the City reboot, And Just Like That…, and has appeared in a handful of movies and TV shows such as A Quiet Passion, Ratched, The Babysitters, and The Big C.
Best known for portraying Nora Durst in the HBO series The Leftovers, Coon plays Bertha Russell in The Gilded Age. Bertha hails from a middle-class household and marries, George, the son of a merchant family. Together they rise to affluence through the railway industry, and Bertha is determined to turn her economic currency into social currency and be accepted by the women who call the shots in old money social circles. In addition to the aforementioned roles, Coon has also appeared in a handful of movies and shows, including FX's Fargo, The Sinner, and recently-released Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
The leading lady of The Gilded Age, Marian, is played by Jacobson. Marian comes from an old Pennsylvania family and yearns for something more substantial than the societal expectation to marry well, though she's not quite sure what that is either. When her father dies, she moves to NYC to live with her estranged aunts, Agnes and Ada.
Benton plays an aspiring writer named Peggy Scott, who, after leaving Pennsylvania, takes a job as Agnes' secretary. Upon meeting Marian, both women form an unlikely friendship as they struggle to turn a new leaf in New York.
The Tony-nominated actress is best known for her sterling titular performance in the 2016 rendition of the 1812 musical Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet on Broadway. She also played Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton on Broadway in 201. Scott has appeared in UnREAL and Our Friend.
You can follow Denée Benton on Instagram and here.
Morgan Spector plays the role of George Russel. He's a "classic robber baron of his own time, Russell is pleasant enough in company. He's fond of his wife and his children, but utterly ruthless in business. He has already acquired millions, and many more will follow. In every challenge, George must win," according to his character description on the HBO website.
Having appeared in the Suits 2019 spin-off, Pearson, Spector's previous noteworthy roles include miniseries The Plot Against America, Homeland, Orange is the New Blackand Boardwalk Empire.
The Australian actor Harry Richardson plays Larry Russell. The Harvard graduate son of George and Bertha and brother of Gladys, Larry is a charismatic personality who plans on paving his own path in the world despite his privileged life. Protective of his sister, Larry takes a liking to Marian. You might recognise Richardson from portraying Drake Carne in the period drama Poldark and for his work in Doctor Thorne as Frank Gresham.
You can follow Harry Richardson on Instagram here.
Ritson plays Oscar van Rhijn, the quick-witted son of Agnes, who sure knows how to get on his mother's nerves. Charming and good-looking, Oscar is on the lookout for his life partner. The 44-year-old English actor has decades of acting experience under his belt, with his notable projects including Da Vinci's Demons, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Upstairs Downstairs.
Taissa Farmiga depicts Gladys Russell, the young daughter of George and Bertha Russell. The 27-year-old actress has prominently appeared in theAmerican Horror Storyanthology series, and movies such as 6 Years, The Nun, We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
Tom Raikes is a lawyer who relocates to New York City in pursuit of love after he crosses paths with Marian while settling her late father's accounts. The charming character is brought to life by the Australian actor Thomas Cocquerel, whose prominent projects include Billionaire Boys Club, The Divorce Party, Table 19, and more.
You can follow Thomas Cocquerel on Instagram here.
Played by the veteran actor Gilpin, Church is the stalwart butler of the Russell family. You may remember Gilpin from over a dozen roles he's played. His stacked resume consists of classic titles such as Reversal of Fortune, She-Devil, Heartburn, and many more.
