5 The Gilded Age characters that are based on real people

Julian Fellowes’ The Gilded Age blends fiction with history, capturing the drama of 1880s New York high society. The families shown in the series, like that of the Russells, are fictional, but the family members are highly inspired by real ones. The show also reflects real societal tensions between "old money" and "new money", and also includes some historical events like the construction of the popular Metropolitan Opera House.

For ensuring authenticity, it also features some real historical figures, like Mrs. Astor, the Queen of New York Society, and Ward McAllister, her social advisor. Other such characters include Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, and the Black civil rights journalist T. Thomas Fortune.

These characters, even in small roles, show the creators' commitment to historical detail while allowing fictional characters to drive the main drama.

Here are the 5 The Gilded Age characters that are based on real people

The Gilded Age features characters that are fictional but highly inspired by real people, to maintain what the show is most known for – its authenticity. Here is the list of 5 such characters.

T. Thomas Fortune

T. Thomas Fortune was introduced in Season 2 as the editor of a Black-owned newspaper, The New York Globe. The name of the newspaper is based on his real paper by the name The New York Age. He is shown as a respected voice within the Black community and a believer and advocate of racial equality and empowerment through education and political representation. He is shown as an ally and mentor to Peggy Scott, the main Black character in the show and an aspiring journalist.

Fortune supports Peggy’s ambitions, encourages her writing, and helps her grow in confidence as a journalist. He becomes the key figure highlighting the struggles of Black Americans during the post-Reconstruction era.

Bertha Russell

The character of Bertha Russell was inspired by Alva Vanderbilt, a prominent figure in New York elite society. Bertha is shown as a socially ambitious "new money" wife. Just like Alva, Bertha has also fought her way to the elite 400 social circle, who are known for throwing lavish parties for societal validation. Alva also built the grand Marble House in Newport and married her daughter into European nobility, much like Bertha’s ambitions for her own daughter.

5 The Gilded Age characters that are based on real people (Image Via Max)

Mrs. Astor (Caroline Astor)

Caroline Astor, played by Donna Murphy, was the undisputed queen of New York society during the Gilded Age. She maintained an exclusive list of 400 families who were considered “acceptable” in society, known as “The Four Hundred.”

Determined to keep “new money” families like the Russells out of high society, she initially resists Bertha Russell’s social ambitions. However, she is forced to compromise for the sake of her daughter’s future, echoing the real-life power struggle between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt.

Ward McAllister

Ward McAllister, portrayed by Nathan Lane, was a real-life social arbiter and Caroline Astor’s right-hand man. He helped define social rules and etiquette for the elite and coined the term “The Four Hundred.”

Though the series simplifies his influence for dramatic clarity, it remains faithful to his essence, showcasing the creators' attention to historical detail. In the show, he’s depicted as someone who navigates the complexities of wealth, lineage, and reputation.

Clara Barton

Though not a main character, Clara Barton, played by Linda Emond, is the founder of the American Red Cross, and makes appearances in Season 2. The show highlights her humanitarian efforts and the real social and political movements taking place during the Gilded Age. Her character connects the world of society with that of activism and reform.